Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 16, 2025

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
Published on: July 18, 2014
Neurologic complications of congenital heart disease in adults
Sarah A Goldstein1, Larry B Goldstein2
1Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
Insights
Adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) face varied neurological issues, including stroke and cognitive impairment. Specialized multidisciplinary care is crucial for managing these complex lifelong conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) comprises birth-related cardiovascular structural abnormalities.
- Improved pediatric treatments result in a growing adult population with CHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the neurological complications in adults with CHD.
- To emphasize the need for integrated care approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on neurological complications in adult CHD patients.
- Analysis of risk factors including congenital defects, surgical history, and age-related comorbidities.
Main Results:
- Adults with CHD exhibit increased risks of stroke, neurodevelopmental disorders, cognitive deficits, psychiatric conditions, and epilepsy.
- Neurological risks stem from intrinsic heart defects, surgical interventions, and age-related atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Neurological complications are a significant concern for adults with CHD.
- Collaborative, multidisciplinary care involving neurologists and adult CHD cardiologists is essential for optimal patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a heterogeneous group of structural abnormalities of the cardiovascular system that are present at birth. Advances in childhood medical and surgical treatment have led to increasing numbers of adults with CHD. Neurological complications of CHD in adults are varied and can include an increased risk of stroke not only related to the underlying congenital defect and its surgical management but also due to atherosclerotic disease associated with advancing age. In addition to cerebrovascular events, CHD in adults is also associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, cognitive impairment, psychiatric disease, and epilepsy. Collaborative multidisciplinary care with contributions from neurologists and cardiologists with expertise in adult CHD is necessary to provide optimal long-term care for this complex and rapidly evolving population.
More Related Videos
13:10Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery ALCAPA
Published on: April 24, 2017
07:34Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound 30/45MHZ System
Published on: May 5, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Heart Failure I: Introduction