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Editorial
. 2024 May 26;16(5):217-220.
doi: 10.4330/wjc.v16.i5.217.

Congenital heart "Challenges" in Down syndrome

Maria Drakopoulou  1 , Panayotis K Vlachakis  2 , Costas Tsioufis  2 , Dimitris Tousoulis  2
Affiliations
Editorial

Congenital heart "Challenges" in Down syndrome

Maria Drakopoulou et al. World J Cardiol. .

Abstract

In this editorial, we comment on the article by Kong et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Cardiology. In this interesting case, the authors present the challenges faced in managing a 13-year-old patient with Down syndrome (DS) and congenital heart disease (CHD) associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension. In this distinct population, the Authors underscore the need for early diagnosis and management as well as the need of a multidisciplinary approach for decision making. It seems that the occurrence of CHD in patients with DS adds layers of complexity to their clinical management. This editorial aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the intricate interplay between DS and congenital heart disorders, offering insights into the nuanced diagnostic and therapeutic considerations for physicians.

Keywords: Atrioventricular septal defect; Congenital heart disease; Down syndrome; Pulmonary hypertension; Right heart catheterization.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors have nothing to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Echocardiographic images of patients with atrioventricular septal defect and Down syndrome. A: 26-year-old patient with Down syndrome unrepaired complete atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) and Eisenmenger syndrome; B: 53-year-old patient with Down syndrome and repaired partial AVSD.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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