Ebstein Anomaly
Ebstein Anomaly
Ebstein anomaly is an infrequent congenital heart defect. This anomaly is characterized by wrong positioning of tricuspid valve accompanied by incorrect shape of valve’s leaflets. This whole condition lead to improper working of valve.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath on exertion
- Weakness and fatigue
- Arrhythmia, characterized by heart palpitations or abnormal heart rhythms.
- Cyanosis, bluish discoloration of the lips and skin caused by low oxygen.
Causes
Ebstein anomaly is a congenital heart defects. Main cause of this condition is unknown. As tricuspid valve is present between right atrium and right ventricle, in this condition valve position is lower than the normal position leading to the enlargement of right atrium. This whole situation in the heart lead to the improper working of heart.
Complications
Complications include:
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Other tests include:
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Holter monitor
- Chest X-ray
- Cardiac MRI
- Pulse oximetry
- Exercise stress test
- Electrophysiology study
Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Constant monitoring and follow ups
- Certain medications are prescribed like diuretics to control heart failure
- Surgery like tricuspid valve repair, tricuspid valve replacement and maze procedure, radiofrequency catheter ablation or heart transplant.