The objective of this study was to evaluate a new technique of sizing atrial septal defects (ASDs) for transcatheter device closure. ASD closure using the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) device is commonly performed. Complications, including arrhythmias, pericardial effusions, and perforations, may be related to oversizing ASDs and choosing larger devices. Two methods were used to size ASDs using a compliant balloon. In some patients, the balloon was inflated until a waist was visible [(+)waist]; in others, only until no shunting was demonstrable by echocardiogram [echo; (-)waist]. The device was selected and implanted using standard procedure and echo guidance. One hundred seventeen patients underwent secundum ASD closure with an ASO device. There were 43 patients in the (-)waist group and 74 in the (+)waist group. All devices were implanted successfully. The initial echo ASD diameter was larger in the (-)waist group compared to the (+)waist group (P = 0.01). There was a smaller difference between the initial echo and balloon-sized ASD diameters in the (-)waist group (P < 0.02). ASO device size implanted (in mm greater than echo ASD diameter) was smaller in the (-)waist group (P < 0.01). There were 0/43 complications in the (-)waist group and 5/74 in the (+)waist group. The complete closure rate was the same in both groups. Sizing an ASD by inflating a compliant balloon just until shunting is eliminated, and not until a waist is visible, results in less overstretching of the ASD and selection of a smaller ASO device, achieving similar closure rates and potentially fewer complications.

The American College of Cardiology Adult Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology (ACPC) Section had attempted to create quality metrics (QM) for ambulatory pediatric practice, but limited evidence made the process difficult. The ACPC sought to develop QMs for ambulatory pediatric cardiology practice. Five areas of interest were identified, and QMs were developed in a 2-step review process. In the first step, an expert panel, using the modified RAND-UCLA methodology, rated each QM for feasibility and validity. The second step sought input from ACPC Section members; final approval was by a vote of the ACPC Council. Work groups proposed a total of 44 QMs. Thirty-one metrics passed the RAND process and, after the open comment period, the ACPC council approved 18 metrics. The project resulted in successful development of QMs in ambulatory pediatric cardiology for a range of ambulatory domains.

Patients presenting beyond the neonatal period with left heart obstructive defects and intact atrial septum or restrictive ASD present a challenging problem. We report a safe and effective technique for relief of left atrial hypertension in infants using premounted intravascular stents. All patients had immediate marked hemodynamic improvement.

Mycotic aneurysms are rare in patients with congenital heart disease, but may occur in those with aortic coarctation and abnormal aortic valve. Rapid diagnosis of mycotic aneurysm is of extreme importance given the significant reported incidence of morbidity and mortality across all age groups. Aortic aneurysm is uncommon before the second decade of life, and here we report a 10-year-old male patient with new diagnosis of aortic coarctation and bicuspid aortic valve, who developed a rapidly enlarging mycotic aneurysm from Streptococcus pneumoniae. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was crucial in making the diagnosis, as well as in follow-up.

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Coronary artery thrombosis and resultant myocardial infarction in neonates are exceedingly rare. Seldom does a neonate survive this myocardial insult. Often there is an underlying predisposition to coronary artery thrombosis, such as thrombophilia, central line placement, or myocarditis. Treatment attempts have consisted of thrombolysis and supportive care. We present a case of acute left main coronary artery (LMCA) thrombosis of unknown etiology in a neonate, without ventricular dilatation. Flow into the LMCA was suggested echocardiographically, but a high clinical suspicion led to urgent cardiac catheterization. Once complete occlusion of the LMCA was demonstrated angiographically, emergent surgical thrombectomy was performed, which has never previously been reported.

Enterovirus myocarditis can be a serious infection in neonates, complicated by cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmias. Although decreased systolic function and ventricular arrhythmias have been reported, there is limited description of significant atrial involvement. We present an unusual series of three infants at our institution with enterovirus myocarditis in the neonatal period associated with atrial arrhythmias and dilation.

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