Two Congenital Left-to-Right Shunt Anomalies in a Septuagenarian: ARare Occurrence
Hunaina Shahab1, Sonia Yaqub1, Aamir Hameed Khan1
1Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.
Insights
This case study highlights a rare instance of an elderly woman diagnosed with both atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The survival of this patient with these congenital heart defects beyond average life expectancy is noteworthy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) are common congenital heart anomalies in childhood.
- Significant ASD or uncorrected PDA can lead to increased morbidity, mortality, and reduced life expectancy.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old woman presented with dyspnea, hypertension, and heart failure symptoms.
- Diagnostic findings revealed co-existing PDA and ASD with a left-to-right shunt.
Findings:
- This represents a rare presentation of dual congenital heart defects in a septuagenarian.
- The patient was managed conservatively and declined cardiac catheterization.
Implications:
- This case challenges typical outcomes for uncorrected congenital heart disease.
- It underscores the possibility of prolonged survival with these conditions, even into old age.
- Highlights the importance of considering congenital heart disease in elderly patients presenting with heart failure symptoms.
Abstract:
Atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) are common congenital anomalies presenting in childhood. Life expectancy of an uncorrected PDAis shortened to half; and ASD of a significant size has increased morbidity and mortality. Their co-existence in an elderly patient with first presentation at 70 years of age is a rarity. We present the case of a 70-year woman with one-week history of dyspnea with high blood pressure and signs of heart failure. She was found to have a PDA and an ASD with left-to-right shunt. She was managed conservatively. She was offered cardiac catheterization, but she refused. This is the first documented case in local literature with two such congenital heart defects presenting in a septuagenarian. In a country where average life expectancy is in the 60's, the survival of the patient with two heart defects, beyond-average survival age, is interesting.
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