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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.
Background:
Tricuspid Atresia is the 3rd commonest cyanotic congenital Heart disease. It is characterized by lack of communication between the right atrium and right ventricle. The treatment often requires a palliative systemic to pulmonary shunt before definite surgery. The use of a central shunt via a median sternotomy is suggested here as an alternative to other traditional shunts via a thoracotomy.
Method:
The management of a 3-month-old boy who presented with dyspnoea, fever, cough and cyanosis is presented here as obtained from Clinical records.
Result:
Following resuscitation, a central shunt (Ascending Aorta to main Pulmonary Artery) was constructed and the patient did well despite a turbulent post-operative period.
Conclusion:
The management of tricuspid atresia likes other cyanotic heart disease is daunting but palliative treatment is possible in our environment and definitive treatment where possible affords a fairly satisfactory prognosis.
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