Eisenmenger syndrome is an end-stage complication of congenital heart disease that occurs when a left to right shunt causes pulmonary over-circulation, leading to vascular remodeling, increased vascular resistance, and ultimately even shunt reversal. Aside from cardiac complications, this pathology has unique complications secondary to chronic cyanosis. In this episode of CardioNerds co-founder Dr. Amit Goyal, ACHD series co-chair Dr. Josh Saef, and Dr. Khaled Tuwairqi (ACHD cardiologist at King Faisal / Elite Hospitals) join Dr. Alexander (Sasha) Optowsky (Director of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program at Cincinnati Childrens) to discuss diagnosis and management of Eisenmenger syndrome. Show notes were drafted by Dr. Anna Scandinaro and episode audio was edited by CardioNerds Academy Intern Dr. Akiva Rosenzveig.
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1. How does Eisenmenger syndrome develop? Does everyone with a left-to-right shunt develop it? Can it develop as an iatrogenic complication?
The pulmonary vasculature is not used to seeing the increased flow it receives in the context of a left to right shunt. Over time this leads to an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary hypertension. When pulmonary pressures exceed systemic pressures, this causes shunt reversal with right to left shunting causing deoxygenated blood to cross from right side of the heart to the left side bypassing the lungs and causing cyanosis.
The process of developing Eisenmenger syndrome is chronically progressive and so adaptive changes have time to occur. Not all persons with unrepaired shunts will develop Eisenmenger syndrome and it is not completely understood why these differences exist.
Eisenmenger syndrome can be acquired by the creation of palliative aorto-pulmonary shunts which cause pulmonary over-circulation with elevated PVR. This is less commonly seen now, due to earlier corrective repairs occurring at younger ages instead of palliative repairs with plans to perform corrective repairs at older ages. This could be seen in a patient who had a palliative repair in 1960-1980s and was lost to follow up. Eisenmenger syndrome is uncommon in Blalock-Taussig-Thomas (BTT) shunts (especially classic BTT) due to their small size and relatively limited flow.
2. What must-not miss conditions may mimic Eisenmenger syndrome?
Large vessel obstruction, specifically bilateral pulmonary artery stenosis and double chamber right ventricle (gradient through the RVOT leading to R->L shunt causing cyanosis), may mimic Eisenmenger syndrome. Their management and natural history differ from Eisenmenger syndrome and can be reversed with treatment.
3. How should one initiate a workup for Eisenmenger syndrome?
History – ask about symptoms of dyspnea, decreased exercise tolerance, and cyanosis. It is important to establish a detailed surgical history.
Physical exam – specifically assess for the presence (or absence) of a murmur, loud P2 suggestive of pulmonary hypertension, and differential cyanosis (suggestive of PDA – hint see Episode 263 for more information on PDAs and Eisenmenger syndrome). Additional Pearl: take blood pressure on opposite side of a BTT shunt, as a BTT can affect the BP!
EKG – look for evidence of right ventricular hypertrophy: RAD, RVH.
CXR – may show prominent pulmonary trunk.
Laboratory evaluation – should include CBC, iron panel, uric acid, CMP, and BNP to evaluate for signs of secondary erythrocytosis.
Echocardiogram – define the anatomy, calculate right ventricular systolic pressure, pulmonary artery diastolic pressure from pulmonary regurgitation jet, and flow across RVOT and LVOT for estimate of Qp/Qs.
Cardiac cath – measure pressures and saturations, calculate Qp/Qs, assess response to vasodilator challenge, calculate CO by Fick (not thermodilution assumptions for thermodilution are not met with shunts), and rule out mimics.
Remember: You must have had a right heart cardiac catheterization to diagnose someone with Eisenmenger syndrome. When reviewing external data, it is always important to interpret the primary data yourself to ensure the right diagnosis and management.
4. What are some multi-organ complications that can be seen in Eisenmenger syndrome secondary to cyanosis and secondary erythrocytosis (kidney’s response to cyanosis)?
5. What is a life-threatening emergency that should be considered if a patient with Eisenmenger syndrome presents with neurologic symptoms? How about hemoptysis?
In a patient with Eisenmenger syndrome presenting with neurologic symptoms there should be a high index of suspicion for cerebral abscess. Chronic hypoxemia leads to secondary erythrocytosis leading to hyperviscosity in the central venous blood, this causes a favorable environment for bacterial growth.
Hemoptysis is not uncommon in this population and is a life threatening complication of Eisenmenger syndrome which requires a broad but direct differential to treat emergent cases quickly. The differential diagnosis includes pulmonary infections (Eisenmenger syndrome can cause decreased immune function), pulmonary vasoocclusive disease, aorto-pulmonary collaterals, as well as pulmonary artery in-situ thrombosis. Obtaining a Chest CTA is a high yield clinical tool to help establish this diagnosis. Interventional colleagues will be instrumental in treatment of many of these complications. Hemoptysis and iatrogenic surgical death used to be a high cause of mortality; this has decreased in recent years.
6. What steps can be taken to minimize operative risk in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome? Do we use routine phlebotomy in this population?
Surgery should be performed with an experienced cardiac anesthesiologist. Operative risk in Eisenmenger syndrome is lower than in pulmonary arterial hypertension as patients with Eisenmenger syndrome are able to increase their cardiac output by increasing right to left shunting at the expense of their oxygenation. Bubble filters should be used as available to minimize risk of air and paradoxical embolism. For non-urgent operations, exchange transfusions before surgery can improve clotting function. Coagulations labs are affected by high hematocrit (less plasma = fewer clotting factors); you will need to adjust citrate in the tube for an accurate PT/PTT.
Routine phlebotomy is no longer used in this population in the absence of moderate to severe hyperviscosity symptoms. Instead, the focus has shifted to iron deficiency. Repleting iron can improves symptoms of hyperviscosity, increases exercise capacity, and reduces stroke risk.
7. What is “Treat to Close” and should it be used in Eisenmenger syndrome?
The new area of “Treat to Close” is an evolving area without much data to support its practice. There is a need for randomized clinical trials and further investigation to clarify its use. Indications for shunt closure can be found in the 2018 AHA/ACC and the 2020 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Adults with Congenital Heart Disease. It is contraindicated to close a shunt when Eisenmenger syndrome has developed.
8. Is it safe for someone with Eisenmenger syndrome to become pregnant?
Among the few cardiac conditions where pregnancy is contraindicated are pulmonary arterial hypertension and Eisenmenger syndrome. In a pregnant woman with a resting oxygen saturation of less than 90%, babies are born small for gestational age, and most are born premature. In a pregnant woman with a resting oxygen saturation of less than 85%, less than 10% of babies are born alive. The maternal death rate is approximately 30% in these patients. Of note, some PAH medications are contraindicated in pregnancy.
9. Do patients with Eisenmenger syndrome receive heart transplants?
Transplantation in Eisenmenger syndrome requires both heart and lung transplant. The number of heart-lung transplant for congenital heart disease is a small proportion and even less so for Eisenmenger syndrome. Transplantation is complicated in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome due to the multi-organ system dysfunction that is often present.
Adult Congenital Heart Association
Founded in 1998, the Adult Congenital Heart Association is an organization begun by and dedicated to supporting individuals and families living with congenital heart disease and advancing the care and treatment available to our community. Our mission is to empower the congenital heart disease community by advancing access to resources and specialized care that improve patient-centered outcomes. Visit their website (https://www.achaheart.org/) for information on their patient advocacy efforts, educational material, and membership for patients and providers
CHiP Network
The CHiP network is a non-profit organization aiming to connect congenital heart professionals around the world. Visit their website (thechipnetwork.org) and become a member to access free high-quality educational material, upcoming news and events, and the fantastic monthly Journal Watch, keeping you up to date with congenital scientific releases. Visit their website (https://thechipnetwork.org/) for more information.
Heart University
Heart University aims to be “the go-to online resource” for e-learning in CHD and paediatric-acquired heart disease. It is a carefully curated open access library of educational material for all providers of care to children and adults with CHD or children with acquired heart disease, whether a trainee or a practicing provider. The site provides free content to a global audience in two broad domains: 1. A comprehensive curriculum of training modules and associated testing for trainees. 2. A curated library of conference and grand rounds recordings for continuing medical education. Learn more at www.heartuniversity.org/
