Related Experiment Videos
Micropulmonary arteriovenous fistula causing cyanosis
Rachna Kapoor Seth1, Sandeep Seth, S K Kabra
1Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|November 19, 2003
Summary
A young girl with cyanosis was diagnosed with multiple pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae. Contrast echocardiography identified an extracardiac shunt, confirmed by pulmonary angiography.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Cyanosis in children can indicate serious underlying conditions.
- Pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae (PAVF) are abnormal connections between pulmonary arteries and veins.
Observation:
- A pediatric patient presented with cyanosis and hypoxemia unresponsive to oxygen.
- Initial cardiovascular and respiratory evaluations, including chest X-ray and echocardiogram, were unremarkable.
Findings:
- Multiple pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae were diagnosed.
- Agitated saline contrast echocardiography suggested an extracardiac right-to-left shunt.
- Pulmonary angiography confirmed the presence of the shunt, indicating PAVF.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing complex congenital heart and vascular anomalies.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of PAVF is crucial for appropriate management and preventing complications.
- Contrast echocardiography serves as a valuable non-invasive tool for detecting extracardiac shunts.