A rare case of eisenmenger syndrome in a young nigerian male with an undiagnosed atrial septal defect

Abstract

Eisenmenger syndrome refers to the reversal of an original left-to-right shunt due to long-standing pulmonary hypertension and high pulmonary vascular resistance, in the presence of an intracardiac anatomic defect. Few cases have been reported in Nigeria. The importance of early identification of a cardiac defect cannot be overemphasized, as this leads to avoidance of pulmonary vascular disease (which can impact morbidity and mortality) by repairing the defect. We report a case of an adult male presenting with shortness of breath due to atrial septal defect causing pulmonary arterial hypertension with Eisenmenger physiology, to highlight the occurrence of this rare condition in our locality, to raise awareness for a high index of suspicion.