Heart Disease in Children Flashcards

1
Q

How does a patent ductus arteriousis sound on auscultation

A

Continuous machine like murmur
Best heard at 2nd intercostal space, left sternal edge​

Large shunts may have a more mid diastolic mitral valve murmur​

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the most common heart murmur picked up at the newborn baby check

A

Innocent flow murmur is most common

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Which condition leads to weak or absent femoral pulses in children

A

Coarctation of the aorta

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How does a VSD sound on auscultation

A

Pansystolic murmur

Heard loudest at left lower sternal edge

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How does an ASD sound on auscultation

A

A fixed split second heart sound is typically heard

Can also have a systolic ejection murmur

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Some children with congenital cardiac lesions will not have an audible murmur in the 1st few days of life, why is that

A

Foetal circulation has high pulmonary vascular pressure so right heart pressure is high = right to left shunt
At birth they inflate their lungs and there is a fall in pulmonary vascular resistance. The pressures in the right side of the heart slowly fall over the next few days to weeks
In this period the pressures equalise and so movement across a VSD is limited and may be hard to hear

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How does heart failure present in babies

A

Increased work of breathing
Poor feeding and poor weight gain
Hepatomegaly

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Which type of heart condition can lead to heart failure in babies

A

Seen in left to right shunts as blood returns to pulmonary circulation and causes oedmea

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Which type of heart condition can lead to cyanosis in babies

A

Cyanosis is seen in right to left shunting as blood bypasses the lungs so less oxygenation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Which type of VSDs do not need treatment

A

Small VSDs may not need surgery if not haemodynamically significant
Some close on their own

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How do you treat a significant VSD

A

Medicate with diuretics to reduce CHF if present
This is to give them time to grow for surgery

If this doesn’t work, a band can be applied around the pulmonary artery which reduces the blood flow to the lungs to improve symptoms.
This gives the patient a chance to grow and surgery to correct the defect can be performed at a later date
Surgical closure of a VSD is required if medical management is not enough to control symptoms and allow adequate weight gain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What causes Eisenmenger Syndrome

A

Chronic pulmonary overcirculation in the setting of a large left to right shunt.
The muscles in pulmonary vessels change/grow to adapt to this overcircualtion and increases resistance
This increases right heart pressure until it becomes higher than the left and the shunt reverses from right to left
Has a poor prognosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How does Eisenmenger Syndrome present

A

Leads to cyanosis and poor exercise tolerance

Has a poor prognosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Congenital Heart Disease is associated with which trisomies

A

Trisomy 21 – VSD and AVSD
Trisomy 18 (Edwards) – VSD, DORV
T13 (Patau) – VSD, DORV

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Which heart defects are common seen in those with Turner’s syndrome

A

Coarctation of the aorta

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Which heart defects are common seen in those with DiGeorge syndrome

A

Truncus Arteriosus
Interrupted Aortic Arch
Tetralogy of Fallot
VSD

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

In children the vast majority of heart disease is congenital - true or false

A

True

In adults it is mostly acquired

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

List some risk factors for congenital heart disease

A

Maternal diabetes
Prematurity
Other anomalies or a syndrome
Family history of Congenital Heart Disease

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

List symptoms of cardiac disease in babies

A

Breathlessness
Difficulty feeding or poor weight gain
Sweating with feeding
Cyanosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Where would you find the apex beat in children

A

Apex can be in 4th ICS and more medial in children

Should be in normal place by age 8

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is perioral blueness

A

It is a blue area around the mouth, upper lip and nose
It is normal in a baby
Can be confused with central cyanosis although the rest of the baby will be pink - check tongue and mouth to be sure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is acrocyanosis

A

Blue hands and feet

Common in young babies - not a sign of cardiac disease

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Intermittent central cyanosis can be a feature of which condition

A

Tetralogy of Fallot

Will have a murmur as well

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Most cyanotic heart disease makes children blue all the time - true or false

A

True

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

How do you grade a heart murmur

A
1 – slightest possible, often missed 
2- slight 
3- moderate murmur, no thrill 
4- loud with thrill 
5 – very loud with thrill 
6 – can hear away from chest
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

How does the infants age at the time of murmur detection help diagnosis

A

Within 24 hours the risk of CHD is 1 in 10
This is because your circulation is changing so murmurs in are very common

When 3-6 months old the risk of CHD is 1 in 4

By twelve months the risk is 1 in 50
This is because murmurs are even more common around 1 year but not due to CHD, innocent murmur

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

List the features of an innocent murmur

A

Usually soft and short systolic murmurs
Tend to come and go, vary with position and be more noticeable at times of increased cardiac output e.g. Tachycardia/fever
Some kids will get them when they are unwell due to the tach and temp
Are never diastolic
Are never associated with a thrill and should not be pansystolic
Are not associated with cardiac symptoms - asymptomatic
Often loudest at the Left sternal edge

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

New murmur and a temperature in an child is diagnostic of endocarditis - true or false

A

False
In children it is much more likely to be an innocent murmur
These often become more noticeable when a child is unwell

It is diagnostic of endocarditis in adults however

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Describe how foetal circulation changes to adult

A

Babies have right to left shunts to bypass the lungs – via the foramen ovale
In womb, the right side does more work – pressure is higher
Once born, the left side needs to take over as peripheral vascular pressure increases
Right pressure falls as the pulmonary pressure drops - due to baby breathing
The pressure increase in the left shuts the foramen ovale

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Which congenital heart defects are considered acyantoic

A
VSD 
ASD 
Pulmonary stenosis 
AVSD 
PDA 
Aortic stenosis 
Coarctation of the aorta
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Which congenital heart defects are considered cyanotic

A

Tetralogy of Fallot

Transposition of the great arteries

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What is a systemic duct dependent lesion

A

A heart defect which causes severe obstruction of blood out of the left side of the heart
This means the systemic circulation is dependent on a patent ductus arteriosus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

List examples of systemic duct dependent lesions

A

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Critical Aortic Stenosis
Interrupted Aortic Arch (or severe coarctation)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

How do you manage a systemic duct dependent lesion

A

Give prostaglandins to keep the duct open until palliative or curative procedure is performed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What is a cyanotic duct dependent lesion

A

When there is obstruction to pulmonary blood flow OR lack of oxygenation of systemic blood
Patient is reliant on the PDA to maintain oxygenation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

List examples of a cyanotic duct dependent lesion

A

Transposition of the great arteries

Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Septum

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

How do you manage a cyanotic duct-dependent lesion

A

Aim is to keep Duct open until adequate mixing is secured – atrial septostomy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Which defects are seen in tetralogy of fallot

A

Right ventricle outflow tract obstruction
Right ventricular hypertrophy
VSD
Overriding aorta - sits above the VSD

Result of anterior malalignment of aorticopulmonary system​

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What is transposition of the great arteries

A

The aorta and pulmonary artery are the wrong way around
Aorta arises from right ventricle meaning unoxygenated blood is delivered to the body
Pulmonary artery arises from the left ventricle so well oxygenated blood is delivered back to the lungs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

What is the most common congenital heart defect

A

VSD

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What are the 4 main types of ASD

A

Ostium secundum defect
Ostium primum defect
Sinus venosus defect
Coronary sinus defect​

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

What is an ASD

A

Atrial septal defect

A more common type of congenital heart disease that allows communication between the atria.​

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

During embryonic development when does the atria split into two chambers

A

Around week 4-5 division begins

Goes from a common chamber to 2 distinct ones

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

How do ASDs usually present

A

Patients usually asymptomatic in first and second decade of life but usually develop fatigue, dyspnoea and exercise intolerance

Some may experience cardiac failure or failure to thrive if severe

45
Q

Which type of shunt is seen in ASDs

A

Larger ones can have L-R shunts
Magnitude of shunting depends on size of defect, relative compliance of the 2 ventricles and pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance

46
Q

List some risk factors for ASD

A

Female sex - 2:1
Maternal alcohol consumption
Positive family history

47
Q

Untreated ASDs can have which consequences

A

Right atrial enlargement
Arrhythmias
Heart failure

48
Q

What are the indications for treatment in those with ASD

A

Haemodynamically significant - right sided and/or pulmonary overload
Evidence of embolic activity

49
Q

What are the 2 main methods used for ASD treatment

A

Open surgical closure

Transcatheter closure - better short-term outcomes

50
Q

Explain transcatheter closure of an ASD

A

The catheter is placed in the femoral artery and tracks up the IVC to enter the right atrium.
From here it is inserted into the septal defect and expanded blocking the defect and preventing blood flow between the left and right atria.
Over time tissue will grow over the devise creating a tight and permanent seal.

51
Q

Explain open surgical closure of an ASD

A

They visualise the heart with a median sternotomy and isolate it using a cardiopulmonary bypass. The defect is sutured close or in the case of a larger defect a flap can be used to properly cover the hole.
Some modern methods use thorascopy and robotics to reduce the recovery time

52
Q

What is a VSD

A

Ventricular septal defect
A congenital hole in the septum between the two ventricles ​
This can vary in size from tiny to the entire septem, forming one large ventricle ​

53
Q

What kind of shunt is seen in VSD

A

Left to right - due to higher pressure in left ventricle

However, a large left to right shunt leads to right sided overload, right heart failure and increased flow into the pulmonary vessels - can switch it to R-L (Eisenmengers)

54
Q

Why are patients with VSD acyanotic

A

Blood shunts from L-R
Blood is still flowing around the lungs before entering the rest of the body, therefore the patient remains acyanotic because their blood is properly oxygenated

55
Q

VSDs are associated with which other conditions

A

Commonly associated with Down’s Syndrome and Turner’s Syndrome ​

56
Q

What is the definition of a small VSD

A

Less than the diameter of the aortic valve (≤3mm) ​

57
Q

How do small VSD’s present

A

Often asymptomatic, are found incidentally​

58
Q

What causes a small VSD

A

During development the ventricular septum does not fuse properly​

Account for 80-90% of VSDs​

59
Q

How do you manage a small VSD

A

Review by paediatrician until murmur is no longer heard and ECG remains normal​

Maintenance of good dental hygiene, to prevent endocarditis​

Majority close before the age of 10​

60
Q

What is the definition of a large VSD

A

They are the same size or larger than the aortic valve (21-23mm)​

61
Q

How do large VSDs present

A

Heart failure​
Shortness of breath​
Faltering growth after 1 week old​
Recurrent chest infection​

Tachypnoea​
Tachycardia​
Hepatomegaly​
Hyperactive precordium

Soft pansystolic murmur OR no murmur​
Apical mid-diastolic murmur​
Loud pulmonary second sound (P2))​

62
Q

How might a large VSD present on CXR

A

Cardiomegaly​
Enlarged pulmonary arteries​
Increased pulmonary vascular markings​
Pulmonary oedema​

63
Q

How might a large VSD present on ECG

A

Biventricular hypertrophy by 2 months of age​

Katz Wachtel Phenomenon​

64
Q

How do you manage a large VSD

A

Diuretics​
Captopril​
Additional calorie input​ - aids growth
Surgery at 3-6 months​ - to manage heart failure, faltering growth and prevention of Eisenmenger Syndrome​

65
Q

What is a AVSD

A

Atrial Ventricular Septal defect
Defect with the atrioventricular septa of the heart​
Can be Partial or Complete

66
Q

What is a partial AVSD

A

Defect of septum separating atria​

No communication between ventricles

67
Q

What is a complete AVSD

A

Effective absence of internal divisions between heart chambers​

Specifically large defect between lower portion of atria and the upper portion of atria, allowing blood between all chambers of the heart​

68
Q

AVSDs are associated with which other conditions

A

Prominent association of Down Syndrome​ - increased likelihood of complete AVSD

Noonan Syndrome - typically partial

69
Q

List risk factors for AVSD

A

Maternal alcohol use during pregnancy​

Poor control of maternal diabetes during gestation​

Family history of heart defects​

70
Q

How do those with a complete AVSD present

A
Respiratory issues 
Pounding heart​
Weak pulse​
Pallor or Cyanosis (central)​
Poor feeding, slow weight gain​
Tiring easily​
Swelling of the legs or abdomen
71
Q

All AVSDs present with a heart murmur immediately - true or false

A

False
A heart murmur is often picked up at the first baby check.​
However, not all murmurs are picked up immediately and some do not present until later.​

71
Q

All AVSDs present with a heart murmur immediately - true or false

A

False
A heart murmur is often picked up at the first baby check.​
However, not all murmurs are picked up immediately and some do not present until later.​

72
Q

AVSD’s can be fatal if not treated.​ - true or false

A

True

73
Q

How do partial AVSDs present

A

May be asymptomatic for several year

Present later with arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension

74
Q

What is the gold standard for diagnosis of AVSD

A

Echo

74
Q

How might AVSD present on CXR

A

Enlarged heart

75
Q

How do you diagnose an AVSD

A

A combination of both clinical and medical investigative diagnosis:​

  • Heart Murmur Present ​
  • Poor Weight Gain ​
  • Echocardiogram, CXR and Oxygen saturations
76
Q

How do you manage an AVSD

A

Initial pharmacological intervention to treat congestive heart failure including diuretics (Furosemide) and ACEi (Enalapril)​

Surgical intervention for full within 3-6 months ​

Surgical intervention for partial within 6-18 months​

Surgery involves closure of hole with patches → Challenging aspect is dividing common AV valve

77
Q

What is meant by an overriding aorta in ToF

A

Aortic valve enlarged and seems to open from both ventricles
This enlarged aortic valve sits directly on top of the ventricular septal defect​

78
Q

At what age does tetralogy of Fallot typically present

A

In the first 1-2 months of life

79
Q

What is the most common cause of cyanotic congenital heart disease​

A

Tetralogy of Fallot

80
Q

Tetralogy of fallot is more common in females - true or false

A

False

More common in males

81
Q

What type of shunt is seen in tertralogy of fallot

A

right-left

Blood therefore bypasses the lungs and leads to cyanosis

82
Q

ToF is associated with which genetic conditions

A

Down syndrome
DiGeorge syndrome (chromosome 22 deletions)​
Specific genetic associations: JAG1, VEGF, NOTCH1, FLT4, etc.​

83
Q

ToF is associated with which extra-cardiac abnormalities

A

Cleft lip/palate

Skeletal abnormalities

84
Q

Most cases of ToF are genetic - true or false

A

False

Sporadic and unknown in most cases​

85
Q

How does ToF present

A

Cyanosis/collapse in first month of life, hypercyanotic spells - worse when breathing deeply/fast

Poor feeding, dyspnoea, agitation, low birth weight, finger clubbing​

Ejection systolic murmur (best heard at second intercostal space, left sternal edge)​ - due to pulmonary stenosis​

Right parasternal heave ​- due to right ventricular hypertrophy​

Tet spells - Intermittent symptomatic periods leading to cyanotic episode, child may squat to recover

86
Q

How do you diagnose ToF

A

Pulse oximetry ​- low

CXR​ - ‘Boot-shaped’ heart​

ECG​ - Right axis deviation due to right ventricular hypertrophy​

Echo ​

87
Q

How do you manage ToF

A

Surgical repair is the mainstay of treatment (typically within the first year of life)​

In some cases a shunt operation/valvuloplasty procedure is required prior to complete repair ​

Valve replacement surgery will likely be required later in life (and replaced every 10-15 years) ​

88
Q

List risk factors for coarctation of the aorta

A

Male gender​
Young age​
Family history​
Genetic syndrome eg. Turner’s ​

88
Q

List risk factors for coarctation of the aorta

A

Male gender​
Young age​
Family history​
Genetic syndrome eg. Turner’s ​

89
Q

Which other cardiac defects are commonly seen alongside coarctation of the aorta

A

Bicuspid aortic valve​
Aortic stenosis​
Ventricular septal defect​
Patent ductus arteriosus​

90
Q

How do babies present with coarctation of the aorta

A
Pale skin​
Irritability ​
Heavy sweating ​
Difficulty breathing​
Difficulty feeding ​
91
Q

How do infants/toddlers with coarctation of the aorta present

A
Headaches​
Muscle weakness​
Leg cramps or cold feet​
Nosebleeds​
Chest pain
92
Q

What is coarctation of the aorta

A

A narrowing of the aorta

93
Q

Which examination findings may be present in a child with coarctation of the aorta

A

Pulse in lower limbs weaker than upper limbs​

Murmur ​- varied reports of ejection, continuous or late murmur heard best infraclavicularly or below left scapula​

Hypertension​

94
Q

How do you diagnose coarctation of the aorta

A

Physical exam - murmur, weak limb pulse etc
CXR
Transthoracic echo - diagnostic

95
Q

How might coarctation of the aorta present on CXR

A

Leftward convexity of the descending aorta​
Enlargement of the left subclavian artery ​
A figure-3 sign (formed by prestenotic and poststenotic dilatation of the descending aorta)

96
Q

How is coarctation of the aorta treated

A

Open surgery with end-to-end anastomosis is the treatment of choice in neonates, infants and young children. Prosthetic patch is not offered due to the high risks of aneurysm and rupture,​

Balloon angioplasty is an option after 3-6 months however stenting will be not be included as the aorta will grow and widen. A deliberate tear in the intima will be performed to reduce the chance of recoil of the coarctation back to its original width, however, ​

Stent is included in children >25kg and adults if it has gone undiagnosed or re-occurred ​

97
Q

List some risk factors for patent ductus arteriosus

A
Trisomy 21​
Holt-Oram syndrome
Foetal exposure to valproic acid​
Rubella infection​
High altitude birth​
More common in girls (2:1)
98
Q

What is the physiological purpose of the ductus arteriousus

A

It connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta​ bypassing the lungs as blood is oxygenated by mum via placenta

In utero pulmonary pressure > aortic so blood pumped away from lungs in a right to left shunt​

99
Q

How does the ductus areteriosus normally close

A

Following delivery, the lungs open and so pulm pressure < aortic pressure so duct should close

100
Q

Which type of shunt is seen in PDA

A

left to right shunt

Sends excess blood to the lungs leading to overflow

101
Q

How does patent ductus arteriosus present

A
Murmur 
Growth retardation​
Signs of heart failure​ - sweating, breathless, tachypnoea, lung creps, hepatomegaly, cardiomegaly, tachycardia​
Poor feeding​
Wide pulse pressure​
Collapsing peripheral pulses​
102
Q

How do you diagnose a PDA

A

ECG may show ventricular hypertrophy​

CXR may show cardiomegaly​

Echocardiography is best investigation​

  • Assess PDA size​
  • Assess degree of shunt
103
Q

What are the conservative management options for PDA

A

Small PDA’s often close without treatment.​

The baby’s heart can be monitored to see if the vessel is closing on its own. ​

104
Q

What are the medical management options for PDA

A

Indomethacin or Ibuprofen ​- NSAIDs inhibit cyclo-oxigenase and decreasing prostaglandin synthesis which can close the duct

Paracetamol​ - directly inhibits prostaglandin synthase

Effective in 50% of prem babies, 80% of mature infants

105
Q

What are the surgical management options for PDA

A

Catheter PDA Closure ​

Surgical Ligation ​- incision at 3rd/4th intercostal space, mid-axiallary and duct is ligated or clamped