Infantile Scimitar Syndrome With Contralateral Pulmonary Vein Stenosis and Refractory Pulmonary Hypertension

Janelle Buysse1, Ramya Deepthi Billa2, Daniel McLennan1

  • 1Pediatric Cardiology, University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, Iowa City, USA.

Cureus
|September 20, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Infantile scimitar syndrome can cause difficult-to-manage pulmonary hypertension. This case highlights contralateral pulmonary vein stenosis as a rare complication and the need for monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Disease
  • Pulmonary Hypertension

Background:

  • Infantile scimitar syndrome is a rare congenital heart defect.
  • Pulmonary hypertension is a known complication, often challenging to manage.

Observation:

  • A three-month-old infant with scimitar syndrome developed refractory pulmonary hypertension.
  • Further investigation revealed contralateral pulmonary vein stenosis.

Findings:

  • Contralateral pulmonary vein stenosis is a rare finding in scimitar syndrome.
  • Refractory pulmonary hypertension in this context poses significant management difficulties.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of serial cardiac catheterizations for patients with severe pulmonary hypertension and scimitar syndrome.
  • Early identification of associated venous anomalies may improve patient outcomes.

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