Right Aortic Arch with Bicarotid Trunk and Isolated Left Subclavian Artery: Hitherto Unreported Pattern

Variant arch anatomy may be seen associated with many congenital heart diseases. Its accurate preoperative identification is of paramount importance in optimal surgical planning of such cases. This case describes one such variant arch anatomy with two vessel right aortic arch, comprising of bicarotid trunk (giving rise to bilateral common carotid arteries) and right subclavian artery with isolation of the left subclavian artery, in a patient with tetralogy of Fallot. Right aortic arch with isolated left subclavian artery has already been described in association with tetralogy of Fallot. However, to the best of our knowledge, present arch pattern consisting of right aortic arch with bicarotid trunk and isolated left subclavian artery has not been reported in literature so far. Moreover, this case highlights the utility of multidetector computed tomography in accurate identification of variant arch anatomy in addition to delineation of cardiac and extracardiac details

Simultaneous Cesarean Section and Maternal Cardiac Surgery: Outcomes and Feasibility from a Tertiary Care Hospital in India

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of pregnancy-related mortality, and it has gradually increased over time; this rise has been attributed to numerous reasons including the growing number of women with congenital heart disease who are surviving to childbearing age. Valve surgery during pregnancy is a high risk, with a fetal and maternal mortality rate of 35% and 9%, respectively. Prior knowledge about the cardiovascular disease opens up a host of options for the mother even during pregnancy, but presentation in the 3rd trimester puts both the mother and the baby at risk. Simultaneous caesarean section and maternal cardiac surgery is a suitable option for this subset of patients, and with this study we aim to assess its outcomes and feasibility. Methods: This is a retrospective study of five pregnant patients who presented with predominant symptoms of heart failure in the 3rd trimester between June 2019 and June 2021. Intraoperative and postoperative intensive care unit charts of all the patients were reviewed. Results: All five patients underwent simultaneous cesarean section and maternal cardiac surgery successfully with no fetal or maternal mortality and are doing well in the follow-up period. Conclusion: Cesarean section followed by definitive maternal cardiac surgery in the same sitting is a safe and feasible approach in the management of such patients. A well-prepared team is pivotal for a safe delivery with a cardiopulmonary bypass machine on standby. Specialized multidisciplinary care in the antepartum, peripartum, and postpartum period is essential to improve outcomes