Abstract
Hypercyanotic spells are paroxysmal hypoxic episodes that are associated with certain congenital heart defects that comprise an unrestricted interventricular communication and a compromised or potentially compromised pulmonary blood flow. A typical example of such lesions is the Tetrology of Fallot.
Hypercyanotic spells either are self-resolved or respond to medical treatment when promptly recognized and aggressively treated. On the other hand, serious consequences can result from delayed treatment as these episodes can lead to vicious cycle of worsening hypoxia and acidosis resulting in arrhythmias, brain injury, and even death.
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Ahmed, T., Sanil, Y., Heidemann, S.M. (2018). Hypercyanotic Spells. In: Sarnaik, A., Ross, R., Lipshultz, S., Walters III, H. (eds) Cardiac Emergencies in Children. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73754-6_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73754-6_9
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