Diagnosis and Management of Lymphatic Disorders in Congenital Heart Disease

Benjamin Kelly, Sheyanth Mohanakumar, Vibeke Elisabeth Hjortdal

Research output: Contribution to journalReviewResearchpeer-review

25 Citations (Scopus)
63 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Lymphatic disorders have received an increasing amount of attention over the last decade. Sparked primarily by improved imaging modalities and the dawn of lymphatic interventions, understanding, diagnostics, and treatment of lymphatic complications have undergone considerable improvements. Thus, the current review aims to summarize understanding, diagnostics, and treatment of lymphatic complications in individuals with congenital heart disease.

RECENT FINDINGS: The altered hemodynamics of individuals with congenital heart disease has been found to profoundly affect morphology and function of the lymphatic system, rendering this population especially prone to the development of lymphatic complications such as chylous and serous effusions, protein-losing enteropathy and plastic bronchitis. Although improved, a full understanding of the pathophysiology and targeted treatment for lymphatic complications is still wanting. Future research into pharmacological improvement of lymphatic function and continued implementation of lymphatic imaging and interventions may improve knowledge, treatment options, and outcome for affected individuals.

Original languageEnglish
Article number164
JournalCurrent Cardiology Reports
Volume22
Issue number12
Number of pages13
ISSN1523-3782
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Oct 2020

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