Tricuspid Atresia with Normal Axis on ECG Palliated With A Central Shunt; A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Tricuspid Atresia is the 3rd commonest cyanotic congenital Heart disease .It is characterized by lack of communication between the right atrium and right
ventricle. The treatment often requires a palliative systemic to pulmonary shunt before definite surgery. The use of a central shunt via a median sternotomy is suggested here as an alternative to other traditional shunts via a thoracotomy. Method:The management of a 3 month old boy who presented with dyspnoea, fever, cough and cyanosis is presented here as obtained from Clinical records. Result: Following resuscitation, a central shunt
(Ascending Aorta to main Pulmonary Artery) was constructed and the patient did well despite a turbulent post -operative period. Conclusion: The management of tricuspid atresia likes other cyanotic heart disease is daunting but palliative treatment is possible in our environment and definitive treatment where possible affords a fairly satisfactory prognosis.

Keywords: Tricuspid Atresia, Normal Axis, Central
Shunt, Prognosis and Treatment.

Nigerian Journal of Medicine Vol. 17 (4) 2008: pp. 462-464