Neointimal Hyperplasia in Systemic-to-Pulmonary Shunts of Children with Complex Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease

Neointimal hyperplasia may affect systemic-to-pulmonary shunt failure in this group of infants. The histopathology of removed shunts was analyzed. Neointimal hyperplasia and shunt stenosis were correlated and significantly greater in the group with early interventions and shunt revision. Smaller shunt sizes and lower aspirin dosage were associated with increased neointimal proliferation.