Coil occlusion of aortopulmonary collateral arteries in an infant with scimitar syndrome

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology

Background:

• Scimitar syndrome in infancy is a rare congenital anomaly.
• It often presents with severe congestive heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.
• Systemic-pulmonary collateral arteries are implicated in the pathophysiology.

Observation:

• A 4-month-old infant with Scimitar syndrome presented with severe heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.
• The infant had large anomalous systemic arteries supplying the right lower pulmonary lobe.
• These arteries were suspected to contribute to the patient's critical condition.

Findings:

• Coil occlusion of the anomalous systemic arteries was performed.
• Post-procedure, the infant experienced dramatic improvement in heart failure and pulmonary hypertension symptoms.
• Surgical correction was successfully completed 3 months later without complications.

Implications:

• Percutaneous coil occlusion of anomalous systemic arteries is an effective treatment for Scimitar syndrome in infants.
• This intervention can alleviate severe congestive heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.
• It may improve surgical outcomes for this rare pediatric condition.