linksrechtsShunts
LinksrechtsShunts, commonly referred to in English as left-to-right shunts, describe abnormal blood flow from the left side of the heart into the right side or into the pulmonary circulation. This creates increased pulmonary blood flow while systemic circulation remains relatively unchanged initially. The condition is typically categorized as an acyanotic congenital heart defect, because the shunt itself does not usually cause immediate central desaturation.
Common causes include atrial septal defects (ASD), ventricular septal defects (VSD), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
Pathophysiology often involves increased pulmonary blood flow, which over time may cause pulmonary vascular remodeling and
Diagnosis typically relies on echocardiography to visualize the defect and quantify shunt size and flow. Additional
Management ranges from observation for small defects that may close spontaneously to interventional closure or surgical