Eisenmenger syndrome
Pronunciation: EYE-zen-meng-er
Irreversible pulmonary vascular disease with shunt reversal, making previously operable congenital heart defects inoperable.
Full Definition
Eisenmenger syndrome represents the end-stage of untreated left-to-right shunting in congenital heart disease, where chronic volume and pressure overload leads to irreversible pulmonary vascular disease. As pulmonary vascular resistance rises above systemic levels, the shunt reverses to right-to-left, causing central cyanosis and paradoxical embolism risk. This condition typically develops years to decades after birth in patients with large septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus, or other significant left-to-right shunts. Once established, surgical repair is contraindicated due to prohibitively high operative mortality, and management becomes palliative.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Victor Eisenmenger; always capitalize the syndrome name.
In Context
- "The patient developed Eisenmenger syndrome by age twelve, precluding surgical repair of the large ventricular septal defect." — consultation note
- "Cardiac catheterization confirmed Eisenmenger physiology with suprasystemic pulmonary pressures and right-to-left shunting." — catheterization report