ABC Medical Center > Diseases > LV hypoplasia syndrome

What is lv hypoplasia syndrome?

15 February 2024

It is a congenital complication of the cardiovascular system in which the left ventricle of the heart does not develop adequately, causing poor blood pumping and overexertion on the right side so that oxygen-rich blood reaches the entire body.

To better understand this condition, we must remember that the right side of the heart is responsible for pumping blood to the lungs, where it is oxygenated and transferred to the left side of the heart to be distributed throughout the body.

In left ventricular hypoplasia syndrome, this cannot happen because the left ventricle is nonexistent or very small, coupled with the fact that the aortic and mitral valves do not work properly and the aorta is smaller than usual.

This disorder develops in the uterus when the baby’s heart is forming; and although the exact cause is unknown, it is believed that a combination of genes and some risk factors related to the mother’s environment could be responsible.

Signs and symptoms LV hypoplasia syndrome

  • Cyanosis.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Rapid and weak pulse.
  • Low temperature in hands and feet.
  • Poor nutrition.
  • Drowsiness.

The survival rate is greater if the baby receives timely and efficient medical care. However, it can present various complications throughout its life, such as:

  • Arrhythmia.
  • Pulmonary edema.
  • Blood clots.
  • Growth and development problems.
  • Nervous system disorders.

Diagnosis and treatment LV hypoplasia syndrome

Left ventricular hypoplasia syndrome is usually detected by a follow-up ultrasound during the second trimester of pregnancy, but it can also be diagnosed after birth through a cardiac ultrasound.

Babies diagnosed with this abnormality require a series of things to help circulate blood through the body until they undergo cardiac surgery or a heart transplant, such as:

  • Medication.
  • Ventilator.
  • Intravenous fluid administration.
  • Tube feeding.
  • Surgery called atrial septostomy to allow more blood to flow from the right atrium to the left atrium.

At the Cardiovascular Center, we offer you a wide range of prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up services to care for you through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary care model. Come to us, we want to hear your heart.

Related centers and departments LV hypoplasia syndrome

Cardiovascular Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • cdc.gov
  • cardiopatiascongenitas.net
  • nih.gov
  • cincinnatichildrens.org
  • mayoclinic.org
  • childrensmn.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • medigraphic.org
  • Reyes HMU. Síndrome de ventrículo izquierdo hipoplásico: diagnóstico prenatal en primer trimestre. Acta Med. 2023;21(1):85-86.
  • González-Ramos LA, López-Cervantes G, Ruíz-Bustamante NP. Hallazgos clínicos y anatómicos en el síndrome de ventrículo izquierdo hipoplásico. Bol Clin Hosp Infant Edo Son. 2005;22(2):87-94.

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