Hypoplastic left heart syndrome physical examination


 * Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S.[mailto:psingh@perfuse.org],, Keri Shafer, M.D. [mailto:kshafer@bidmc.harvard.edu]; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S.[mailto:kfeeney@perfuse.org]

Overview
A physical examination is an integral part of diagnosing hypoplastic left heart syndrome. During a routine visit, a doctor may find signs of right ventricle enlargement, presence of additional birth defects, and hemodynamic imbalances.

Physical examination
During a physical examination, a clinician may find:
 * ECG shows enlargement of the right ventricle
 * X-ray of the chest may show signs of other birth defects
 * A need for an echocardiogram to further determine enlargement of the ventricles
 * A need for cardiac catheterization to better map potential hemodynamic imbalances

Associated cardiac abnormalities

 * Anomalous pulmonary venous connection
 * Coarctation of the aorta
 * Complete atrioventricular canal
 * Coronary artery abnormalities (especially in patients with aortic atresia and mitral stenosis)
 * Persistent left superior vena cava
 * Endocardial fibroelastosis (especially in patients with aortic atresia and mitral stenosis)