Transesophageal Echocardiography Probe Induced Recurrent VF In A Child
with Severe RV Dysfunction. Report of a Rare Case
Abstract
The safety of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probes has been
documented in pediatric patients (neonates, infants, and small children
even < 2.5 Kg). The overall safety profile of TEE probe is
quite favourable with a reported incidence of complications is about
1-3%. However, insertion of the TEE probe can induce vagal and
sympathetic reflexes such as hypertension or hypotension, non-sustained
ventricular and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias or bradyarrhythmias
[3rd degree heart block], and even angina and myocardial infarction.
We hereby document a repeated and fatal intraoperative VF precipitated
by TEE probe in a 2-year-old, 10 kg paediatric patient diagnosed with
ostium secundum atrial septal defect (OS-ASD), supravalvular pulmonary
stenosis (PS) and severe right ventricular (RV) dysfunction.