The Gasul Phenomenon Still Alive in the Developing World: A Case Report
Muluken Ahmed1, Mohammed Nasir2, Shibikom Tmrat3
1Pediatrician, Arbaminch University, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Arbaminch, Ethiopia.
Insights
Early surgical closure of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) can prevent complications like right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. This case highlights successful surgical intervention in a child with VSD and related issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Surgical Intervention
Background:
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart disease in children.
- Some VSDs may close spontaneously, but surgical intervention is crucial when indicated.
- Complications like the Gasul phenomenon (right ventricular outflow obstruction) can arise from VSDs.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old child presented with recurrent pneumonia, poor weight gain, and excessive sweating.
- Echocardiography revealed a large perimembranous VSD and a small patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in infancy.
- The child later developed a muscular ridge causing right ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention included muscular ridge excision and closure of the VSD and PDA.
- The patient's symptoms resolved post-operatively.
- The child was discharged in stable condition following the successful surgical procedures.
Implications:
- Early surgical closure of VSDs can effectively prevent complications such as right ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
- This case underscores the importance of timely surgical management for complex congenital heart defects in pediatric patients.
- Effective treatment strategies can lead to improved outcomes and resolution of symptoms in affected children.
Background:
In child, ventricular septal defect is the most prevalent congenital cardiac disease. Some ventricular septal defects have the potential for spontaneous closure. In poor nations closure based on indications may not be feasible. The patient's natural course may therefore be observed. The Gasul phenomenon, a right ventricular outflow obstruction, is one of the complications.
Case Presentation:
A 7-year-old child who had recurrent pneumonia, poor weight gain, and excessive sweating eventually had these symptoms go away. A large peri membranous ventricular septal defect and a small patent ductus arteriosus was detected on echocardiography during infancy. Later, the patient acquired a muscular ridge across the right ventricular outflow tract. Muscular ridge excision and closure of patent ductus arteriosus and ventricular septal defect were done. Patient was discharged in stable condition.
Conclusion:
Right ventricular outflow tract blockage can be avoided by performing early surgical closure of a ventricular septal defect.
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