Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease
So far we have discussed the acyanotic congenital heart disease. Now we shall discuss some of the main cyanotic congenital heart diseases. In these diseases there is communication between pulmonary and systemic circulation through which deoxygenated blood enters the systemic circulatory system.
Assessment
Assessment reveals severe cyanosis (legs less cyanotic than the arms) which appears after birth, this constitutes the characteristic feature of this disease. Later on child presents with dyspnoea, congestive cardiac failure, growth failure, and clubbing. Heart is always enlarged. Heart sounds are related to the type of defect.
Diagnosis
Chest X-ray shows cardiomegaly and increased pulmonary vasculature. ECG shows right ventricular or biventricular hypertrophy. Management Management consists of medical treatment with digoxin, diuretics, and iron. Surgical management consists of palliative and corrective procedures.