Simultaneous "traumatic Gerbode" and aortic rupture due to blunt chest trauma

Congenital Gerbode Defect: A Left Ventricular to Right Atrial Shunt-State-of-the-Art Review of Its General Data, Diagnostic Modalities, and Treatment Strategies

The congenital Gerbode defect is defined as an abnormal communication between the left ventricle and the right atrium. This review aimed to summarize existing evidence, shed light on the clinical implications, and identify knowledge gaps. The systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Google Scholar medical databases using specifically selected keywords. The inclusion of each publication was assessed according to predefined eligibility criteria based on the PICOM (Population, Phenomenon of Interest, Context, Methodology) schema. Titles and abstracts were screened independently by two authors. Available full-text versions of included publications were reviewed and relevant information was extracted. A total of 78 reports were included. The compilation of all congenital Gerbode defect cases described in the literature revealed a variety of clinical presentations comprising dyspnea, palpitations, growth retardation, and asymptomatology. A suitable multimodal diagnostic approach for newborns consists of auscultation, TTE, and optionally TEE and MRI. Because of its rarity, diversity of findings, unknown pathophysiology, and similarity to more common cardiac diseases, the diagnostic challenge remains significant. To prevent untreated long-term sequelae, early individualized treatment is recommended. Surgical defect closure is preferred to device closure for evidence reasons, although major developments are currently taking place. In conclusion, the congenital Gerbode defect provides a diagnostic challenge for pediatricians to allow early diagnosis and intervention in order to improve patients' quality of life.

Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiographic Detection of a Gerbode Defect in a Patient Referred for Aortic Valve Endocarditis: A Case Report

This clinical challenge discusses a case in which a patient was referred for aortic valve repair or replacement due to severe aortic regurgitation from infective endocarditis. In addition to discovering a previously unknown tricuspid valve vegetation, the intraoperative echocardiographic evaluation was instrumental in revealing an undiagnosed Gerbode defect. The flow through this Gerbode defect was previously mistaken for tricuspid regurgitation, and the patient was misdiagnosed as exhibiting severe pulmonary hypertension. This case highlights the importance of reviewing preoperative echocardiographic imaging, as well as diligence in completing a thorough intraoperative transesophageal echocardiographic exam prior to cardiopulmonary bypass. In addition, while flow typically occurs in Gerbode defects during systole, this case demonstrates that flow can also occur during diastole, which was most likely due to the severe aortic regurgitation. Fortunately, the patient was able to undergo successful treatment for the unexpected sequalae of the infective endocarditis, including repair of the Gerbode defect, tricuspid valve repair, and aortic valve and root replacement. Importantly, the incorrect diagnosis of severe pulmonary hypertension was removed.

Reversible right heart failure after redo operation of a post-traumatic Gerbode defect

INTRODUCTION

Gerbode defect is a rare entity and represents a small percent of all congenital defects. If left untreated, right heart failure may occur.

CASE REPORT

We describe a redo case of a 47-year-old patient complaining about the signs and symptoms of decompensating right heart failure after a surgically treated post-traumatic Gerbode defect 8 years prior.

DISCUSSION

Although it is described as a congenital defect, in clinical practice, results mostly as an iatrogenic complication after heart valve surgery, endocarditis, nodal ablation, or post-traumatic defect. Surgical correction is the treatment of choice independently of the provided cause. Dimensions, the position of the defect, are very important factors for the interventional approach. At 12 months post-operatively, the patient remained completely asymptomatic. He has an active life and presents all the echocardiographic metrics within normal values.

CONCLUSION

We strongly recommend that in cardiac areas where high wall tension is applied, durable materials such as Dacron should be used. We also believe that a well-documented discussion with the patient, about his medical condition and his therapeutic alternatives, is imperative.