Challenges Faced in Managing an Adult Uncorrected Tetralogy of Fallot Patient with Pneumonia and Septic Shock in the...

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common form of cyanotic congenital heart disease. We present a 61-year-old uncorrected TOF patient who presented with sepsis and acute respiratory failure. At presentation, the patient had tachypnea, tachycardia, and oxygen saturation (SpO₂) 64%. Chest X-ray (CXR) showed bilateral basal opacities. 2D echo revealed left ventricular dysfunction, infundibulum stenosis, pulmonary atresia, overriding of the aorta, and ventricular septal defect. A provisional diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia with septic shock with uncorrected TOF was made. He received empirical antibiotics, ventilatory support, and supportive care. Ventilator weaning was done accepting an arbitrary baseline SpO₂ of 70-75% and lactate-guided volume resuscitation led to a successful outcome. Coronary angiogram showed collaterals. This case report illustrates the dilemmas faced in treating a critically ill uncorrected TOF. To the best of our knowledge, this case could be the oldest surviving uncorrected TOF patient in the Indian population.

Prakash SY, Kartik M, Rao M, Harde YR. Challenges Faced in Managing an Adult Uncorrected Tetralogy of Fallot Patient with Pneumonia and Septic Shock in the Intensive Care Unit. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(11):1135-1136.