Response to prostaglandin E1 in neonates with intracranial arteriovenous malformation treated for suspected congenital heart disease

• Published in: Pediatric cardiology Vol. 15; no. 2; pp. 81 - 84
• Main Author: Covert, R F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-03-1994
• Subjects: Alprostadil - administration & dosage; Alprostadil - therapeutic use; Cardiac Output - drug effects; Diagnosis, Differential; Fatal Outcome; Female; Heart Defects, Congenital - complications; Heart Defects, Congenital - diagnosis; Heart Defects, Congenital - drug therapy; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary - etiology; Infant, Newborn; Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations - complications; Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations - diagnosis; Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations - drug therapy; Male; Oxygen Consumption - drug effects
• ISSN: 0172-0643; 1432-1971
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00817613

Two neonates with cardiovascular symptoms associated with intracranial AVM were initially considered to have ductal-dependent congenital heart disease. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) infusion, initiated to achieve patency of the ductus arteriosus, produced improved oxygenation and cardiovascular status in both infants. Other vascular effects of PGE1, including pulmonary and extracranial systemic vasodilation, likely accounted for these unique observations in the infants with intracranial AVM. Not only may the signs and symptoms of congenital heart disease be imitated by intracranial AVM, but improved oxygenation and cardiovascular status with PGE1 infusion used for suspected congenital heart disease may be observed as well.