Right‐sided weakness in a Rwandan patient with untreated Tetralogy of Fallot
Dublin Core
Title
Right‐sided weakness in a Rwandan patient with untreated Tetralogy of Fallot
Subject
Tetralogy of Fallot, Pediatrics, Congenital heart disease, Rwanda
Description
Background Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease encountered in pediat-
rics with surgical repair being the definitive treatment. Long-term survival after surgical repair has improved; however,
reported mortality rates in untreated TOF are significant. Associated complications include neurological sequelae
such as brain abscess and stroke. In countries without early intervention for congenital heart disease (including TOF),
delayed presentations and complications require recognition by healthcare workers.
Case presentation A 22-year-old male with a history of untreated TOF presented to Rwanda’s tertiary university
hospital, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, with acute right-sided hemiparesis. Diagnostic imaging identified a
left-sided brain lesion consistent with brain abscess and cardiac mass, concerning endocardial vegetation. He was
managed with intravenous antibiotics but subsequently died due to complications of septicemia.
Discussion In countries where surgical repair of TOF is not available, early recognition and medical management are
key in temporizing the development of devastating sequelae. Describing the prevalence of CHD in Rwanda is urgent,
requiring further research by which effective prevention and treatment strategies can be developed.
rics with surgical repair being the definitive treatment. Long-term survival after surgical repair has improved; however,
reported mortality rates in untreated TOF are significant. Associated complications include neurological sequelae
such as brain abscess and stroke. In countries without early intervention for congenital heart disease (including TOF),
delayed presentations and complications require recognition by healthcare workers.
Case presentation A 22-year-old male with a history of untreated TOF presented to Rwanda’s tertiary university
hospital, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, with acute right-sided hemiparesis. Diagnostic imaging identified a
left-sided brain lesion consistent with brain abscess and cardiac mass, concerning endocardial vegetation. He was
managed with intravenous antibiotics but subsequently died due to complications of septicemia.
Discussion In countries where surgical repair of TOF is not available, early recognition and medical management are
key in temporizing the development of devastating sequelae. Describing the prevalence of CHD in Rwanda is urgent,
requiring further research by which effective prevention and treatment strategies can be developed.
Creator
Sylvain Tshilombo1
, Romeo Bilugan2
, Amanda Feeney2
, Jonathan Im2
, Heather M. Kuntz2
, Kavita Gandhi3
,
Besh Barcega2
, Jean Felix Babane4
, Vincent Ndebwanimana4 and Mindi Guptill2*
, Romeo Bilugan2
, Amanda Feeney2
, Jonathan Im2
, Heather M. Kuntz2
, Kavita Gandhi3
,
Besh Barcega2
, Jean Felix Babane4
, Vincent Ndebwanimana4 and Mindi Guptill2*
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-023-00494-0
Date
2023
Contributor
peri irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Sylvain Tshilombo1
, Romeo Bilugan2
, Amanda Feeney2
, Jonathan Im2
, Heather M. Kuntz2
, Kavita Gandhi3
,
Besh Barcega2
, Jean Felix Babane4
, Vincent Ndebwanimana4 and Mindi Guptill2*, “Right‐sided weakness in a Rwandan patient with untreated Tetralogy of Fallot,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 27, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12124.