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Published on: May 28, 2019
Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction with Guillain-Barre syndrome in Fontan circulation
Rohit Sunil Walse1, Bhagwati Pant1, Arun Gopalakrishnan1
1Department of Cardiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
Insights
The Fontan procedure improves survival for single ventricle hearts but presents long-term circulatory challenges. This case highlights managing myocardial infarction and Guillain-Barre syndrome post-Fontan surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Total cavopulmonary connection (Fontan procedure) is a palliative surgery for univentricular hearts.
- Fontan circulation deviates from normal physiology, leading to age-related complications.
Observation:
- A rare case of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) occurred in an adult Fontan patient.
- The patient also presented with Guillain-Barre syndrome concurrently.
Findings:
- This presentation underscores the complex medical challenges in adult Fontan survivors.
- Management of acute cardiac events and neurological complications requires specialized approaches.
Implications:
- Highlights the need for vigilant long-term monitoring of Fontan patients.
- Informs strategies for managing rare, co-occurring critical illnesses in this population.
Abstract:
Total cavopulmonary connection, commonly referred to as the Fontan procedure, is the established destination therapy for univentricular hearts. While the procedure permits a longer survival of these patients, this circulation involves several compromises from normal human circulation and poses several challenges with increasing age after surgery. We present an instance of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction with Guillain-Barre syndrome in an adult after Fontan palliation and discuss the challenges in management.
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