Lung Abscess in Adults with Tetralogy of Fallot and Pulmonary Atresia

Abstract

We describe 5 adults with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia who developed lung abscesses, including some infected with atypical microbial pathogens, with important morbidity. We hypothesize that patients with such anatomy are at risk for chronic pulmonary infection due to hypo-perfusion of the pulmonary parenchyma. This previously unreported clinical association should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia who alter their respiratory state.

Tetralogy of Fallot: Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask

“…Left untreated, patients with TOF have a 50%, 5‐10 year survival, with mortality related to hypoxemia, endocarditis, brain abscesses, or cerebral vascular accident. Longevity beyond the fourth decade of life in unrepaired or palliated TOF is rare …”

“…Longevity beyond the fourth decade of life in unrepaired or palliated TOF is rare. 5,6 2 | MAIN ARTICLE…”