Neurologic complications of congenital heart disease and its treatment

Advances in surgical and medical management have dramatically improved the survival of individuals with congenital cardiac anomalies. Various neurologic complications occur in association with congenital heart disease, including cognitive impairment and ischemic stroke. The likelihood of stroke is greatest in individuals with severe structural cardiac defects such as tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, or hypoplastic left heart syndrome. A persistent foramen ovale adds little or no additional stroke risk unless it is associated with an atrial septal aneurysm or other anomaly. Individuals with congenital heart disease caused by genetic abnormalities are apt to have other anomalies as well. Complications related to correction of cardiac anomalies include seizures, ischemia, stroke, and movement disorders.