J Korean Pediatr Cardiol Soc.  2007 Sep;11(3):206-214.

The Short Term Growth of Neo-aorta and its Implication to Aortic Insufficiency after Arterial Switch Operation in Complete Transposition of Great Arteries

• Kim SH
• Huh J
• Kang IS
• Lee HJ
• Yang JH
• Jun TG
• Park PW

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was aimed to assess the growth of neo-aorta and its implication to neo-aortic insufficiency in children with complete transposition of great arteries (TGA) after arterial switch operation (ASO). METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed medical records, echocardiograms and cardiac catheterization of 40 patients who had underwent ASO at Samsung Medical Center from 1995 through 2001. Pulmonary artery and aorta were evaluated regarding its stenosis and regurgitation, respectively. The growth of the neo-aortic valve, sinus of neo-aortic Valsalva, and the site of aortic anastomosis were evaluated by measuring the change of the diameter. RESULT: The mean duration of follow-up after ASO was 17.2+/-12.4 months (range 1.2-67 months). Aortic insufficiency (AI) developed in 45%, in which all were mild. The neo-aortic annulus (originally pulmonary annulus) had grown as normal pulmonic valve does do (diameter of pulmonary valve annulus preoperatively, 8.9+/-1.22 mm; postoperatively at more than 6 months, 12.8+/-2.2mm). The anastomotic site of neo-aorta showed a growth curve equivalent to that of sinotubular junction of normal aorta (preoperative diameter, 7.7+/-1.4 mm; postoperatively at more than 6months, 12.7+/-3.1mm). However, the growth rate of sinus of Valsalva showed a extremely higher compared to that of normal aorta (preoperative diameter, 10.5+/-1.2 mm; postoperatively at more than 6 months, 18.8+/-2.6 mm). No significant relations could be revealed between the change of dimension of aortic root and aortic insufficiency.
CONCLUSION
Aortic insufficiency was not uncommon but mild aortic dilatation was not significantly associated with AI. Although the short term result is encouraging, long-term surveillance for aortic root dilatation and aortic insufficiency remains necessary.

Keyword

Transposition of the great arteries; arterial switch operation; aortic insufficiency; sinus of Valsalva

MeSH Terms

Aorta
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac Catheters
Child
Constriction, Pathologic
Dilatation
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Medical Records
Pulmonary Artery
Pulmonary Valve
Retrospective Studies
Sinus of Valsalva
Transposition of Great Vessels*