Neurologic complications of congenital heart disease and its treatment

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Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
07:27

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease

Published on: July 18, 2014

28.4K

Emily de Los Reyes1, E Steve Roach1

  • 1Division of Child Neurology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.

Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|December 25, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Congenital heart disease can lead to neurologic complications like stroke, especially with severe defects. Surgical correction may also cause neurological issues, requiring careful management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Improved survival rates for congenital cardiac anomalies are noted.
  • Neurologic complications, including cognitive impairment and stroke, are recognized in this population.
  • Severe structural defects increase stroke risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review neurologic complications associated with congenital heart disease.
  • To identify risk factors for stroke in patients with congenital heart defects.
  • To discuss complications arising from cardiac anomaly correction.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of neurologic complications in congenital heart disease.
  • Analysis of stroke risk factors in various congenital heart defects.
  • Examination of neurological sequelae post-cardiac surgery.

Main Results:

  • Severe defects like tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of great arteries, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome carry the highest stroke risk.
  • Persistent foramen ovale poses minimal additional stroke risk unless co-occurring with other anomalies.
  • Genetic causes of congenital heart disease often present with additional anomalies.
  • Seizures, ischemia, stroke, and movement disorders are complications post-cardiac correction.

Conclusions:

  • Neurologic complications are significant in individuals with congenital heart disease.
  • Risk stratification for stroke is crucial, particularly in severe cardiac defects.
  • Comprehensive management should address both cardiac and potential neurologic sequelae.

Keywords:
Congenital heart diseaseatrial septal defectdeep hypothermic circulatory arrestechocardiogramextracorporeal membrane oxygenationpatent foramen ovaletransient ischemic attack

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