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Successful Management in an Infant Patient of PHACE Syndrome with a Complicated Aortic Arch Anomaly
Shun Suzuki1, Mitsuru Seki1, Koichi Kataoka2,3
1Department of Pediatrics, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.
Insights
PHACE syndrome, a congenital disorder, presents complex cardiovascular issues. Patient-specific 3D modeling and careful planning enabled successful aortic arch reconstruction in a challenging infant case.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- PHACE syndrome is a congenital disorder characterized by cervicofacial infantile hemangioma and complex cardiovascular malformations.
- Patients with PHACE syndrome frequently exhibit intricate aortic arch anomalies, stenosis, agenesis, and vascular tortuosity, complicating surgical interventions.
Observation:
- A female infant diagnosed with PHACE syndrome presented with a double aortic arch, interrupted left aortic arch, right aortic arch coarctation, patent ductus arteriosus, VSD, and ASD.
- Diagnosis was confirmed via 3D computed tomography; preoperative management focused on heart failure without prostaglandin E1 and weight gain.
- Patient-specific 3D cardiovascular modeling was utilized for surgical planning and simulation.
Findings:
- Successful aortic arch reconstruction was achieved using an end-to-side anastomosis with anterior patch augmentation in a 56-day-old infant.
- Preoperative detailed planning and simulation using a patient-specific 3D model were critical for the successful surgical outcome.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of meticulous preoperative planning and simulation using patient-specific 3D models for managing complex cardiovascular malformations in PHACE syndrome.
- Advanced imaging and modeling techniques are vital for improving surgical outcomes in infants with rare and complex congenital heart defects.
Abstract:
PHACE syndrome is a congenital disorder often associated with a cervicofacial infantile hemangioma and complicated cardiovascular malformations. Patients with PHACE syndrome often have complex aortic arch anomalies, longer aortic stenosis or agenesis segments, and increased vascular tortuosity; therefore, perioperative management and surgical repair are challenging. We report a case of a female infant with PHACE syndrome and complex cardiovascular anomalies such as a double aortic arch associated with interruption of the left aortic arch, coarctation of the right aortic arch, patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, and atrial septal defect. She was born at 36 weeks of gestation (birth weight, 2,150 g) and the diagnosis was confirmed by three-dimensional computed tomography. Because her patent ductus arteriosus did not close at first, her heart failure was managed preoperatively without prostaglandin E 1. We initially attempted to promote weight gain. Surgical planning and simulation were performed using the patient-specific three-dimensional cardiovascular model created from computed tomography data. She underwent a successful aortic arch reconstruction by an end-to-side anastomosis with anterior patch augmentation at the age of 56 days. Detailed planning and simulation before surgery were vital in achieving favorable outcomes. Careful management and surgical planning using a patient-specific three-dimensional model are vital, especially in patients with complex malformations, such as in our case.
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