A New Success in Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Heart Diseases at PAU Hospital

During his examination by pediatricians, little Yiğit Emre had weak pulses in the groin, a murmur was heard in his heart and his blood pressure was measured high. . The echocardiography performed by the Pamukkale University Pediatric Cardiology team consisting of Prof. Dr. Dolunay Gürses, Assist. Prof. Dr. Münevver Yılmaz, Specialist. Dr. Merve Oğuz and Specialist Dr. Emine Sayın revealed severe stenosis in the main artery (coarctation of the aorta). After the pneumonia treatment was completed, the baby, who was operated by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Baltalarlı, head of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at Pamukkale University, regained his health.

Prof. Dr. Dolunay Gürses; "Coarctation of the aorta is the formation of stenosis in the aortic vessel, the main artery that takes clean blood from the heart to the body. Coarctation of the aorta accounts for 4 to 6% of all congenital heart diseases and is seen in approximately 4 patients per 10,000 live births. Clinically, there is no pulse in the lower extremities. The circulation of the lower part of the body is provided by thin branches called "collateral vessels". Clinical findings may vary according to the degree of stenosis. The definitive diagnosis is made by examination and echocardiography performed by a pediatric cardiologist. If the diagnosis is delayed, patients may experience permanent hypertension in the long term as well as heart failure."

Prof. Dr. Gürses stated that timely diagnosis of the disease and timely intervention to be applied are life-saving in such patients and emphasized the importance of early diagnosis once again.