[Eisenmenger syndrome. Pathophysiology]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Biology
• Congenital Heart Disease

Context:

• Eisenmenger syndrome is a feared complication in patients with congenital heart disorders involving a left-to-right shunt.
• Historically, this condition posed significant risks, but advancements have made it less common in industrialized countries.
• Optimized perinatal care and early shunt elimination have contributed to its decreased incidence.

Purpose:

• To summarize the current understanding of Eisenmenger syndrome as a complication of congenital heart disease.
• To highlight the reduced prevalence in developed nations.
• To identify prognostic factors associated with Eisenmenger syndrome.

Summary:

• Eisenmenger syndrome, a severe outcome of congenital heart defects with left-to-right shunts, is now infrequent in industrialized nations.
• This decline is attributed to enhanced perinatal management and timely surgical or interventional closure of shunts.
• The identification of circulating endothelial cells serves as a critical indicator of a poor prognosis in affected patients.

Impact:

• Improved patient outcomes for congenital heart defects with left-to-right shunts.
• Reduced incidence of Eisenmenger syndrome in developed healthcare systems.
• Enhanced risk stratification for patients through the identification of poor prognostic markers like circulating endothelial cells.