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Diagnosis and Management of Lymphatic Disorders in Congenital Heart Disease
Benjamin Kelly1,2, Sheyanth Mohanakumar3,4, Vibeke Elisabeth Hjortdal3,4
1Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. Benjaminkelly@clin.au.dk.
Insights
Congenital heart disease impacts lymphatic function, leading to complications like effusions. Improved diagnostics and interventions are enhancing treatment, but further research is needed for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Lymphatic System Research
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Lymphatic disorders are gaining attention due to advancements in imaging and interventions.
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) significantly affects lymphatic system morphology and function.
- Individuals with CHD are particularly susceptible to lymphatic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of lymphatic complications in individuals with CHD.
- To summarize diagnostic approaches for these complications.
- To outline current and potential treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on lymphatic complications in CHD.
- Analysis of recent findings on pathophysiology and clinical presentation.
- Synthesis of information on diagnostic modalities and therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Altered hemodynamics in CHD profoundly impact lymphatic system morphology and function.
- Common lymphatic complications include chylous/serous effusions, protein-losing enteropathy, and plastic bronchitis.
- While understanding and treatment have improved, knowledge gaps remain.
Conclusions:
- Lymphatic complications are a significant concern in CHD patients.
- Further research into lymphatic function, imaging, and interventions is crucial.
- Improved understanding and targeted treatments can enhance outcomes for affected individuals.
Purpose Of Review:
Lymphatic disorders have received an increasing amount of attention over the last decade. Sparked primarily by improved imaging modalities and the dawn of lymphatic interventions, understanding, diagnostics, and treatment of lymphatic complications have undergone considerable improvements. Thus, the current review aims to summarize understanding, diagnostics, and treatment of lymphatic complications in individuals with congenital heart disease.
Recent Findings:
The altered hemodynamics of individuals with congenital heart disease has been found to profoundly affect morphology and function of the lymphatic system, rendering this population especially prone to the development of lymphatic complications such as chylous and serous effusions, protein-losing enteropathy and plastic bronchitis. Although improved, a full understanding of the pathophysiology and targeted treatment for lymphatic complications is still wanting. Future research into pharmacological improvement of lymphatic function and continued implementation of lymphatic imaging and interventions may improve knowledge, treatment options, and outcome for affected individuals.
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