The Gerbode Defect: About 2 Cases

Abstract

Background: Left ventricular to right atrial communications (LV-RA) or the Gerbode defects are rare and complex types of ventricular septal defect. Their clinical diagnosis is not specific. However, the main clue to identifying Gerbode defect comes from Doppler-coupled echocardiography (TTE), and the treatment is mainly surgical. Aim: We hereby report our experience in surgical management of Gerbode defect through two exceptional congenital cases (type 1 and type 2 of Gerbode defect). Case Presentation: The diagnosis was established in adult patients, the first case is a 27-year-old woman who had dyspnea, and in whom the TTE revealed LV-RA communication, with repercussions on the right cavities. The second case is a 23-year-old man, with the concept of statutory weight delay, consulted for progressive dyspnea; the TTE initially revealed a very large perimembranous ventricular defect associated with significant pulmonary hypertension. Cardiopulmonary bypass surgery was done for a successful and complete correction. Conclusion: Gerbode defect is so rare; the diagnosis is made by TTE. And surgery must not be delayed until repercussion on right cavities and pulmonary hypertension.