Autopsy studies have demonstrated that atherosclerosis, the pathologic basis for coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular events, begins in childhood and is associated with the presence of modifiable and nonmodifiable cardiovascular…
Introduction Noninvasive cardiovascular imaging plays a fundamental role in the clinical history of patients with congenital heart diseases (CHDs) and acquired cardiac conditions, from antenatal diagnosis to long-term follow-up in…
Introduction In recent years the volume and variety of pediatric cardiovascular data captured across various sources have continued to expand. These datasets are increasingly being integrated and used for a…
Introduction An understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and alternative treatment strategies for congenital heart defects is essential to provide the appropriate patient care. This includes an understanding of the guideline…
Surgical Approaches to the Heart A variety of incisions are used in cardiac surgery. The majority of pediatric cardiac surgeries are performed through two incisions: the median sternotomy and the…
Introduction Appreciation of complex intracardiac anatomy and spatial relationships is inherent to the diagnosis of congenitally malformed hearts. Until recently, the ability of the clinician to image the heart by…
On average, up to 12% of liveborn infants in the developed world are born prior to term. These rates have increased as a consequence of assisted reproductive technology and earlier…
Introduction Examination of the frequency of congenital cardiac disease, either as a rate or as a proportion, has important implications for the study of congenital cardiac malformations, as well as…
In developed countries, the last few decades have heralded many advances in the diagnosis and management of congenital heart disease (CHD). These include surgery in neonates and infants; the establishment…
Introduction The placenta is one of the most important and least understood organs in the human body. It is a complex, highly organized structure that—amazingly—can be grown, discarded, and fully…
