Successful Caesarean section in a patient with Aortico pulmonary window: A peculiar case report

Abstract

Background

Aortopulmonary window (APW), results from failure of septation of the aorticopulmonary trunk during the fifth to eight weeks of gestational age. Patients with APWs rarely survive beyond early life stages without surgical interventions. Herein, we report anesthetic management of a woman who survived this disorder into adulthood and presented in a pregnant state and was taken up for cesarean delivery.

Case presentation

A 29 year female presented with 39 weeks pregnancy. Examination revealed a systolic murmur and cardiomegaly. Echocardiography revealed APW with left to right shunt. An emergency cesarean section under General Anesthesia (GA) was performed due to commencement of labor pains without adequate cervix dilatation.

Conclusion

The anesthetic management of a patient with APW is challenging, however, the present case describes the use of general anesthesia with good maternal and neonatal outcomes.