Eisenmenger Syndrome

1. Unrepaired ventricular septal defects (VSD) as small as 1 centimeter
2. Unrepaired atrial septal defect (ASD) between 1.5 and 2.0 centimeters
3. Atrioventricular (AV) canal defect or complete AV canal
4. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
5. Other types of complex congenital heart disease, such as single ventricle or double inlet left ventricle.

The symptoms depend on the organs that are affected. The most common visible signs are cyanosis (blueness) and clubbing (large rounded finger nails or toe nails).

Other signs and symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
• Dizziness and fainting (syncope)
• Fever, poor appetite and sweating when there is blood stream infection
• Feeling tired
• Shortness of breath at rest or with walking
• Weight gain or leg swelling
• Abdominal pain
• Stroke like symptoms including visual disturbances and headache
• Gout

The diagnosis of ES is based on the presence of three symptoms:

1. A cardiac shunt or opening between the two chambers on opposite sides of the heart
2. Pulmonary hypertension that cannot be reversed with medication
3. Cyanosis or blueness

In addition to blood tests, EKG and chest x-ray, other tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.   These include an Echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization and a 6 minute walk test.   

1. Your red blood cell count and hemoglobin is usually high. This occurs because cyanosis causes your body to produce more red blood cells to compensate.
2. People with ES have increased tendencies to bleed and to clot. You should watch out for easy bruising, bleeding from the gum, nose bleeding, excessive bleeding during a woman’s period or coughing up blood.  You should let your ACHD doctor know if you have any of these.
3. Arrhythmias or irregular or fast heart beats are also frequent complications of ES. These are more commonly originating from the upper chambers of the heart.
4. Ventricular dysfunction or heart failure can occur. Let your ACHD doctor know if you develop shortness of breath, swelling in your abdomen or legs and fatigue.
5. Rarely years of cyanosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension can cause one of the coronary arteries to become compressed causing chest pain.
6. The risk of lung, heart and skin infections is also increased. Brain infections can also occur.
7. Strokes can occur in about 7-14 percent of Eisenmenger patients.
8. Gout, an inflammation of the big toe or other joint, can occur. This is due to large levels of uric acid in your body.
9. Abnormal kidney function occurs in more than 1/3 of patients with ES. To help prevent this, it is important to stay well hydrated, to avoid NSAIDS and any drugs that are toxic to the kidney.
10. The development of gall stones is also increased. This causes abdominal pain after eating.
11. Musculoskeletal complications such as curvature of the spine (scoliosis) and joint and long bone pain are also possible.

Treatment for ES is 3 fold:

1. Management of complications
2. Medical therapy
3. Heart/Lung transplant versus surgical repair of the heart defect and lung transplant

Management of complications include:

1. Follow up with an ACHD specialist regularly
2. Avoid adding salt to your diet
3. Not smoking
4. Avoid excessive drinking of alcohol, best not to drink any.
5. Avoid high altitude
6. Avoid hot tubs and saunas
7. Do not take aspirin or non-steroidal medications such as Aleve and Ibuprofen
8. Avoid strenuous exercise and competitive sports
9. Prevent infections by keep excellent oral health (mouth, gums, teeth)
10. Take antibiotics to prevent subacute bacterial endocarditis when indicated
11. O2 supplementation if needed or it makes you feel better
12. Have non cardiac surgery in ACHD centers
13. Take the Pneumovax and Flu vaccines
14. Air travel should be okay in pressurized cabin
15. Avoid pregnancy and seek counseling

Three groups of drugs are generally considered in treating the pulmonary hypertension. Your ACHD doctor will decide which is best for you.  These are

• A prostacyclin analogue (like Inhaled Iloprost)
• An endothelial receptor antagonist (like Bosentan)
• A vasodilator (like Sildenalfil)

Heart/lung transplant is an option for patients whose hearts and lungs continue to fail after getting the best treatment available. It must be done in a center that does heart/lung transplants and has an experienced ACHD team to care for the patient before, during and after the procedure.

The prognosis for patients with Eisenmenger Syndrome is improving with better diagnosis and care. 

Pregnancy is a very high risk for women with Eisenmenger Syndrome patients. The maternal death rate is up to 50 percent. The risk of miscarriage is around 30%.  Women are cautioned to avoid getting pregnant. If pregnancy occurs, close monitoring and bed rest will be necessary and this likely will require hospitalization.

You should talk to your doctor about contraception. Acceptable birth control can include use of Intrauterine Mirena Coil IUD, and the option of endoscopic sterilization (Essure).  Estrogen contained birth control pills should be avoided.  Birth control pills that primarily contain progesterone are generally okay to use.

If you have Eisenmenger Syndrome, you should

• Be seen on a regular basis by an ACHD specialist
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid hot tubs, saunas and other activities that cause dehydration
• Make sure iron deficiency anemia is treated appropriately
• Avoid inappropriate phlebotomies
• Eat a low salt diet
• Don’t smoke
• Avoid high altitudes
• No ASA/NSAID
• Exercise is okay—avoid strenuous/competitive sports. Talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program
• Avoid infections- take care of skin, finger, toes and face
• Take antibiotics before dental procedures
• Have non-cardiac and cardiac surgery at centers with expertise in Eisenmenger Syndrome
• Use supplemental oxygen if it makes you feel better (no proof it helps)
• Get your flu and pneumovax vaccines
• Travel by air is okay as long as you stay hydrated.

With recent advances in management and treatment, many people with Eisenmenger Syndrome live longer and lead more active lives. If you have this condition, it is essential that you are treated by an ACHD doctor and a team with expertise in managing your condition and associated symptoms.  Care from doctors who understand the challenges you face and can provide the high level treatment you need is crucial. Educating yourself is key to understanding this complex and challenging condition. Education and the right care will help assure you have the longest and best quality of life.