Eisenmenger Syndrome

Eisenmenger Syndrome

This syndrome is a complication of congenital heart defect. The most common cause of eisenmenger syndrome is the presence of heart defect characterized by hole between two chambers of heart.

Symptoms

This syndrome presents as:

• Cyanosis i-e bluish or grayish skin color
• Clubbing of fingernails and toenails
• Shortness of breath with little activity
• Palpitations
• Pain in the chest
• Chest tightness
• Fainting
• Hemoptysis
• Abdominal swelling
• Weakness
• Tingling sensations in the fingers and toes

Causes

The main cause of Eisenmenger syndrome is the presence of hole between the chambers of heart which is a birth defect. As the result of this blood flows backward through the shunt, causing oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix. This will ultimately lead to low oxygen level in the body. Following are the heart defects that causes Eisenmenger syndrome:

• Ventricular septal defect
• Atrial septal defect
• Patent ductus arteriosus

Complications

• Cyanosis
• Erythrocytosis characterized by High red blood cell count
• Arrhythmias
• Pulmonary embolism
• Sudden cardiac arrest
• Heart failure
• Kidney problems
• Stroke

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Other tests include the following:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Echocardiogram
• Imaging tests like chest X-ray, ultrasound, MRI
• Cardiac catheterization

Treatment

Treatment options include:

• Observation and monitoring of the patient
• Medications are generally prescribed which include iron supplements, aspirin, anti-arrhythmic medications, vasodilators, antibiotics.
• Phlebotomy means blood drawing is done to reduce the symptoms which arises due to increase blood count.
• Heart-lung transplantation is also rarely considered.