Eisenmenger's Syndrome

Overview

Mayo Clinic has expertise and experience in treating Eisenmenger's syndrome and other congenital heart diseases. Mayo physicians have treated thousands of children and adults with congenital heart diseases over the past 60 years. Cardiologists, surgeons and other specialists work closely together to provide the latest care in an efficient and coordinated way. Mayo also conducts research to determine the most effective treatment strategies.

Diagnosis

The signs and symptoms of Eisenmenger's syndrome often do not occur until childhood or early adulthood. Diagnosis of Eisenmenger's syndrome is made with an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). Other tests may include:

• An electrocardiogram (ECG), which can suggest increased right heart pressure (right ventricular hypertrophy)
• An X-ray of the chest to look for heart and pulmonary artery enlargement.

A cardiac catheterization with measurement of lung pressures is required to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Treatment for people with Eisenmenger's syndrome is aimed at controlling symptoms and preventing complications. Medication is the primary treatment option. Surgery to repair the defect once Eisenmenger's syndrome has developed is not possible. Heart and lung transplantation or lung transplant are options for some people with Eisenmenger's syndrome. Read more about Eisenmenger's syndrome treatment options.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota
• Treatment of Children & Adolescents

About Eisenmenger's Syndrome

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People who have Eisenmenger's syndrome are usually born with a large hole in the heart. The most common situation is a hole (defect) between the two pumping chambers (ventricles), called a ventricular septal defect (VSD). The abnormal circulation in the heart causes elevated pressure in the lungs, called pulmonary hypertension. Eisenmenger's syndrome develops when high pressures push the blue (low oxygen) blood in the right side circulation back into the red (oxygenated) left sided circulation, bypassing the lungs. Read more details about Eisenmenger's syndrome.