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How to Administer Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Critically ill Neonates, Infants, and Children
Published on: August 19, 2020
[Chronic central cyanosis in children; always an indication for further diagnosis]
C J Zeebregts1, A Nijveld, A M van Oort
1Academisch Ziekenhuis, afd. Thorax-Hartchirurgie, Nijmegen.
Insights
Chronic cyanosis in children, a blue skin discoloration, can indicate serious heart conditions like shunts or Tetralogy of Fallot. Early pediatric cardiologist consultation is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, leading to improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Background:
- Persistent blue skin discoloration (cyanosis) in children can be a sign of underlying cardiac anomalies.
- Delayed diagnosis may occur if initial symptoms are subtle or misattributed.
Abstract:
A girl and a boy, both aged 4 years, had displayed a blue discolouration of the skin for several years. In the girl, electrocardiography and roentgenography of the chest revealed no abnormalities; in the boy, the cardiac murmur was attributed to an insignificant ventricular septal defect. Further examinations were performed only when the children developed sleeping problems and decrease of exercise tolerance, respectively. In both, a right-left shunt was discovered caused by a direct communication between the right pulmonary artery and the left atrium, and tetralogy of Fallot, respectively. Both patients' condition improved after operation. Chronic central cyanosis in a child constitutes an indication for consultation of a paediatric cardiologist.
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