Tricuspid atresia with normal axis on ECG palliated with a central shunt; a case report

A S Edaigbini1, E E Ekpe, M A C Aghaji

  • 1Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Shika-Zaria. edais23@yahoo.com

Insights

This study presents a central shunt as a viable alternative for treating tricuspid atresia, a common cyanotic heart defect. The palliative approach in this infant demonstrated successful outcomes, offering hope for similar cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Disease Surgery

Background:

  • Tricuspid atresia is the third most common cyanotic congenital heart disease.
  • It involves an absence of communication between the right atrium and right ventricle.
  • Palliative systemic to pulmonary shunts are often necessary before definitive surgical repair.

Observation:

  • A 3-month-old boy presented with symptoms of dyspnea, fever, cough, and cyanosis.
  • Clinical records were used to document the management of this case.

Findings:

  • A central shunt, specifically an Ascending Aorta to main Pulmonary Artery connection, was successfully constructed.
  • The patient experienced a positive outcome despite a challenging post-operative recovery.

Implications:

  • Central shunts via median sternotomy offer a potential alternative to traditional thoracotomy shunts for tricuspid atresia.
  • Palliative treatment for cyanotic heart disease is feasible and can lead to satisfactory prognoses, even in resource-limited settings.
Abstract

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