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Published on: February 10, 2022
Imaging and surgical management of congenital heart diseases
Pablo Caro-Domínguez1, Aurelio Secinaro2, Israel Valverde3,4
1Pediatric Radiology Unit, Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Avenida Manuel Siurot s/n, Seville, Spain. pablocaro82@hotmail.com.
Insights
Congenital heart disease (CHD) management has improved, with advanced imaging guiding care. This guide details common CHDs, surgical options, and imaging techniques for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) impacts ~1% of newborns annually.
- Medical and surgical advancements have reduced CHD morbidity and mortality.
- Imaging is crucial for diagnosing and managing pediatric cardiac conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a beginner's guide to common congenital heart diseases.
- To outline surgical management and postsurgical complications.
- To guide the selection and application of appropriate imaging modalities.
Main Methods:
- Review of common congenital heart diseases: septal defects, univentricular heart, Tetralogy of Fallot, etc.
- Discussion of surgical interventions and potential complications.
- Guidance on utilizing various imaging techniques (echocardiography, CT, MRI).
Main Results:
- Chest radiography, echocardiography, and ultrasound are primary diagnostic tools.
- Advanced imaging like CT, catheterization, and MRI are used for complex cases.
- The article details imaging approaches for specific CHDs and postsurgical care.
Conclusions:
- Appropriate imaging selection is vital for effective CHD management.
- Understanding CHD anatomy and surgical repair aids in interpreting imaging findings.
- Gentle and timely imaging ensures optimal patient care and outcomes.
Abstract:
Congenital heart disease affects approximately 1% of live births per year. In recent years, there has been a decrease in the morbidity and mortality of these cases due to advances in medical and surgical care. Imaging plays a key role in the management of these children, with chest radiography, echocardiography and chest ultrasound the first diagnostic tools, and cardiac computed tomography, catheterization and magnetic resonance imaging reserved to assess better the anatomy and physiology of the most complex cases. This article is a beginner's guide to the anatomy of the most frequent congenital heart diseases (atrial and ventricular septal defects, abnormal pulmonary venous connections, univentricular heart, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries and coarctation of the aorta), their surgical management, the most common postsurgical complications, deciding which imaging modality is needed, and when and how to image gently.
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