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Congenital Heart Defects in Adults : A Field Guide for Cardiologists
Anitra Romfh1, Francesca Romana Pluchinotta, Prashob Porayette
1Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA 02115, USA ; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Insights
Adult congenital heart disease requires specialized knowledge. This guide overviews common defects, their complications, and management for adult cardiologists caring for survivors of congenital heart defects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Adult Cardiology
Background:
- Advances in cardiology and cardiac surgery enable more congenital heart defect (CHD) patients to reach adulthood.
- Adult CHD patients often develop unique complications related to their defect or treatment.
- Adult cardiologists require updated knowledge on common CHDs presenting in adulthood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide adult cardiologists with a working knowledge of common congenital heart defects.
- To serve as a field guide for managing adult patients with CHDs.
- To detail anatomy, physiology, clinical presentation, complications, and outcomes of selected CHDs.
Main Methods:
- Overview of selected CHD anatomy using pathology specimens.
- Inclusion of clinical imaging studies for anatomical visualization.
- Description of physiology, clinical presentation, complications, treatment, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Detailed anatomical review of common adult CHD using specimens and imaging.
- Explanation of physiological changes and clinical presentations in adults.
- Summary of potential complications, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Adult cardiologists must be knowledgeable about common CHDs for effective patient care.
- This guide aids in understanding and managing adult patients with congenital heart disease.
- Comprehensive knowledge of CHD anatomy, physiology, and management is crucial for improved outcomes.
Abstract:
Advances in cardiology and cardiac surgery allow a large proportion of patients with congenital heart defects to survive into adulthood. These patients frequently develop complications characteristic of the defect or its treatment. Consequently, adult cardiologists participating in the care of these patients need a working knowledge of the more common defects. Occasionally, patients with congenital heart defects such as atrial septal defect, Ebstein anomaly or physiologically corrected transposition of the great arteries present for the first time in adulthood. More often patients previously treated in pediatric cardiology centers have transitioned to adult congenital heart disease centers for ongoing care. Some of the more important defects in this category are tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, functionally single ventricle defects, and coarctation. Through this field guide, we provide an overview of the anatomy of selected defects commonly seen in an adult congenital practice using pathology specimens and clinical imaging studies. In addition, we describe the physiology, clinical presentation to the adult cardiologist, possible complications, treatment options, and outcomes.
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