Eisenmenger Syndrome
Eisenmenger syndrome: This occurs when a chronic L→R shunt leads to pulmonary hypertension, causing the shunt to reverse to R→L, resulting in cyanosis.
Eisenmenger Syndrome
- Originally left-to-right shunt → chronic pulmonary overcirculation → pulmonary hypertension → pulmonary vascular resistance exceeds systemic → reversal to right-to-left shunt → late cyanosis
- Occurs in: large VSD, ASD, PDA if uncorrected
- Once Eisenmenger develops: surgical repair is contraindicated (would remove only relief for right heart)
- Only treatment: lung transplantation
Read this in CARDIOVASCULAR PATHOLOGY
Eisenmenger Syndrome
- Chronic L→R shunt → pulmonary HTN → shunt reversal to R→L → cyanosis
- Once reversed, shunt is irreversible
- Contraindication to surgical repair
Read this in Comprehensive Heart Pathology Notes 🫀
What our notes say
- Eisenmenger syndrome: This occurs when a chronic L→R shunt leads to pulmonary hypertension, causing the shunt to reverse to R→L, resulting in cyanosis. (Heart Pathology: Comprehensive Short Notes)
- Others: pulmonary atresia, Ebstein anomaly, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and Eisenmenger syndrome (a late cyanosis). (Paediatrics end of 3rd trimester exam (MBPE 4300): 11 January 2022, congenital h)
- Congenital heart defects range from simple shunts to complex structural anomalies, impacting blood flow and oxygenation, necessitating early diagnosis and often surgical intervention to prevent long-term complications like Eisenmenger syndrome. (CARDIOVASCULAR PATHOLOGY)
- Large VSDs: pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, Eisenmenger syndrome (CARDIOVASCULAR PATHOLOGY)
- | Eisenmenger Syndrome | Irreversible reversal of L→R shunt to R→L due to pulmonary hypertension | (Congenital Heart Disease)
- Cyanotic (right-to-left shunts): TOF, TGA, Ebstein's anomaly, Truncus arteriosus, Eisenmenger syndrome (Congenital Heart Disease)
Study material on Eisenmenger Syndrome
Practice questions on Eisenmenger Syndrome
Eisenmenger syndrome occurs when
- The aorta is completely obstructed
- The tricuspid valve is absent
- A right-to-left shunt becomes left-to-right
- A left-to-right shunt reverses to right-to-left due to pulmonary hypertension
Answer: D. Eisenmenger syndrome is characterized by the reversal of a left-to-right shunt to a right-to-left shunt, caused by severe pulmonary hypertension. ---