Description
Malformations of the blood vessels that feed the heart that are present at birth (congenital). They occur in 1% of the population and are often associated with other congenital heart defects. This disorder accounts for 4%-15% of sudden cardiac deaths in young people. Symptoms may not be present until the early teen years depending on the location and severity of the defect. Sometimes the first indication something is wrong is a life threatening event such as a heart attack or abnormal beating of the heart that causes it to stop pumping. Some malformations do not cause symptoms and are discovered at autopsy.
Symptoms
Irritability, poor feeding, delayed growth, breathing problems, abnormal sweating, wheezing, bluish skin (cyanosis), fainting, heart failure, sudden death.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. Tests to evaluate the function and structure of the heart and its blood vessels will be done.
Tests:
Cardiac catheterization, Event (cardiac) monitor, CT angiogram, Echocardiogram (ECHO), Electrocardiogram (EKG), MR angiogram, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. Tests to evaluate the function and structure of the heart and its blood vessels will be done.
Tests:
Cardiac catheterization, Event (cardiac) monitor, CT angiogram, Echocardiogram (ECHO), Electrocardiogram (EKG), MR angiogram, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology
Treatment
Therapy depends on the severity of the abnormality and the age of the child. Treatments include: blood pressure medications, water pills, and oxygen. Surgery may be necessary as well.