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Pts with large, uncorrected left-to-right shunts (e.g., ASD, VSD, or PDA) may develop progressive, irreversible PHT with reverse shunting of desaturated blood into the arterial circulation (right-to-left direction), resulting in Eisenmenger syndrome. Fatigue, lightheadedness, and chest pain due to RV ischemia are common, accompanied by cyanosis, clubbing of digits, loud P2, murmur of pulmonary valve regurgitation, and signs of RV failure. ECG and echocardiogram show RV hypertrophy. Therapeutic options are limited and include pulmonary artery vasodilators (see Chap. 127. Pulmonary Hypertension) and consideration of single lung transplant with repair of the cardiac defect, or heart-lung transplantation.

Outline

Section 8. Cardiology