Congenital heart defects of univentricular presentation

Abstract

Objective: To describe the physiology, diagnosis, and treatment of univentricular congenital heart disease in order to elucidate its main characteristics and particularities, with a global view for understanding. Bibliographic review: Univentricular congenital heart disease is a rare and complex congenital heart defect. It differs from other congenital heart defects in that it presents a single functional ventricle, which will have a direct impact on the way the heart pump functions; here, the heart pump functions in parallel and not in series, as in a physiological cardiovascular system. Having its diagnosis based on fetal cardiac screening, it presents singularities in its imaging exams, requiring a more detailed and closer approach to the patient. Finally, its treatment is particular. There is a specific surgical correction for this pathology, the Fontan operation, which, despite saving the lives of these patients, is often able to generate severe sequelae, reducing their quality of life. Final considerations: Despite its rarity, the understanding of uiventricular congenital heart disease is necessary for the physician to be able to manage these patients and offer them a better outcome.