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Pattern of cardiac malformation in oculoauriculovertebral spectrum

A Kumar1, J M Friedman, G P Taylor

  • 1Division of Cardiology, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.

Insights

Congenital heart defects (CHD) occur in 19% of patients with oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS). Cardiac anomalies in OAVS are more complex and varied than previously understood.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Cardiology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS) is associated with congenital heart defects (CHD), but prevalence estimates vary widely (5-58%).
  • Previous reports suggest Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) are the most common cardiac anomalies in OAVS.
  • Variability in prevalence is attributed to differing diagnostic criteria and ascertainment bias from specialty databases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency and spectrum of CHD in a cohort of patients with OAVS.
  • To characterize associated pulmonary and renal abnormalities in OAVS patients with CHD.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 32 patients with OAVS identified through genetic or autopsy databases.
  • Detailed cardiac phenotyping and review of associated anomalies.

Main Results:

  • A CHD frequency of 19% was observed in the studied OAVS cohort.
  • Cardiac lesions were diverse and complex, including asplenia syndrome, ventricular inversion with double outlet right ventricle, pulmonary atresia with VSD, and infradiaphragmatic total anomalous pulmonary venous connection.
  • Pulmonary and renal abnormalities were more prevalent in OAVS patients with CHD compared to those without.

Conclusions:

  • CHD is a significant finding in OAVS, with a frequency of 19% in this cohort.
  • The spectrum of cardiac anomalies in OAVS is broader and more complex than previously recognized.
  • Associated pulmonary and renal issues warrant consideration in the comprehensive management of OAVS patients with CHD.

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