Spontaneous improvement of a haemodynamically significant ventricular septal defect produced by blunt chest trauma in
Pedro Betrián Blasco1, Josep Girona Comas, Ricard del Alcazar Muñoz
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Valle de Hebrón Hospital, Barcelona, Spain. pedrobetrian@yahoo.es
Insights
A 5-year-old girl with a chest injury developed a ventricular septal defect. The defect spontaneously improved, resolving symptoms and avoiding surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Traumatic Cardiac Injury
Background:
- Blunt chest trauma can cause cardiac injuries.
- Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are common congenital heart defects but can also be acquired.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old girl sustained blunt chest trauma.
- This resulted in a 1 cm ventricular septal defect.
- The VSD caused mild left chamber dilation and exertional dyspnea.
Findings:
- Follow-up catheterization at 3 months showed significant reduction in shunting.
- The VSD size and severity diminished over time.
Implications:
- Conservative management may be appropriate for certain traumatic VSDs.
- Spontaneous VSD closure or significant improvement can occur, avoiding invasive procedures.
Abstract:
We describe the progress of a girl aged 5 years, who suffered blunt trauma to the chest producing a ventricular septal defect of 1 centimetre in diameter. The shunt generated a mild dilation of the left-sided chambers, and exertional dyspnoea. Three months later, therapeutic catheterisation revealed important diminution in the extent of shunting. We decided, therefore, not to close the defect, and she has since remained asymptomatic.
