Congenital Heart Diseases in Adults: A Review of Echocardiogram Records in Enugu, South-East Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Congenital abnormalities of the heart and cardiovascular system are reported in almost 1% of live births, and about half of these children need medical or surgical help in infancy. In the first decade, a further 25% require surgery to maintain or improve their life. Only 10% survive to adolescence without treatment. Of these 10%, however, many live a normal life for years before their abnormality is discovered. AIM: The aim of this study was to find the most common congenital heart diseases in adults presenting for echocardiographic examination in Enugu, and to determine whether there are any gender differences in frequency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The consecutive echocardiogram reports of 5058 adults done over a period of 9 years (2003-2012) were retrospectively reviewed. All adults who had congenital anomaly on transthoracic echocardiography were included in the study. RESULTS: Congenital heart diseases were found in 115 adults representing 2.5% of the adult population (115/4539). The most common congenital anomalies were ventricular septal defects (VSD) - 31.3%, (36/115), atrial septal defects - 28.7% (33/115) and tetralogy of fallot - 10.4% (12/115). CONCLUSION: VSD are the most common congenital heart diseases in adults presenting for echocardiographic examination in Enugu, Nigeria.