Maternal Exitus after Cesarean Section in Pregnant Women with Taussig-Bing Anomaly and Eisenmenger Syndrome

Abstract

The Taussig-Bing anomaly is a congenital cyanosis characterized by the dextrotransposition of large vessels. It produces a double arterial exit from the right ventricle, associated with an interventricular communication. This may lead to pulmonary hypertension secondary to increased vascular resistance and a cardiac reverse flow, known as Eisenmenger syndrome. Generally, it occurs before puberty, although occasionally, it can debut in adults, progressing during that stage. It is clinically characterized by chronic features, such as acropachies, dyspnea, tiredness or cyanosis. The diagnosis of this type of heart disease is based on clinical exam and imaging tests, if at all possible in the fetal echocardiographic study or during the pediatric age. The surgical correction of cardiac malformations is the treatment of choice, modifying the aortic exit and closing of ventricular septal defect. The prognosis depends on the degree of pulmonary hypertension, the time of diagnosis, and the early surgical correction. Better outcome is obtained at early ages, although mortality rates reach 50% in some cases, even after optimal surgical correction. Pregnancy is not recommended in patients suffering from this disease. Some studies contraindicate pregnancy in absence of proper treatment. Thus, we describe a case of a pregnant woman with a Taussig-Bing anomaly, who suffered uterine atony and a subsequent cardiorespiratory arrest after delivery. Elective cesarean section was performed. This patient died.