Cardiovascular MRI Findings in ALCAPA Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Secinaro Aurelio, Ntsinjana Hopewell, Tann Oliver, Schuler Pia K, Muthurangu Vivek, Hughes Marina, Tsang Victor, Taylor Andrew M
Primary Institution: UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences & Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
Hypothesis
This study aims to demonstrate the role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in assessing young patients following surgical repair of ALCAPA.
Conclusion
CMR is an effective, non-invasive method for evaluating patients after ALCAPA surgery, revealing characteristic myocardial fibrosis and identifying reversible ischemia.
Supporting Evidence
- All patients had preserved left ventricular function with a mean ejection fraction of 62.7%.
- Five patients exhibited sub-endocardial late gadolinium enhancement indicating myocardial fibrosis.
- Three patients showed areas of reversible ischemia during stress perfusion imaging.
Takeaway
Doctors used special heart scans to check how well kids were doing after surgery for a rare heart problem. They found that the scans could show if there were any issues with the heart's blood flow.
Methodology
The study involved 6 patients who underwent CMR to assess heart function and detect ischemia after ALCAPA repair.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and descriptive, involving a small and heterogeneous patient population.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 9-21 years, with a mean age of 15.3 years; 3 females.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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