Neonatal arrhythmias in Turner syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

Eur Heart J Case Rep. 2021 Apr 30;5(4):ytab160. doi: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytab160. eCollection 2021 Apr.

Abstract

Background: While left-sided congenital heart defects have been well described in females with Turner syndrome (45, X), the literature is scarce regarding arrhythmias in this patient population.

Case summary: A full-term neonate referred to cardiology was found to have a non-apex forming left ventricle and partial anomalous pulmonary venous return. During the echocardiogram, she developed atrial flutter, followed by orthodromic reentrant supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). She was started on propranolol and eventually switched to sotalol due to breakthrough SVT. A genetics evaluation revealed Turner syndrome with complete monosomy X (45, X). The patient is now 18 months old and has not had any further arrhythmias.

Discussion: We present a rare case of atrial flutter followed by supraventricular tachycardia in a neonate with Turner syndrome and left-sided heart defects. This case highlights the importance of early and precise investigation of cardiac abnormalities in neonatal patients, especially among females with Turner syndrome given their relatively higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to the general population.

Keywords: Arrhythmia; Atrial flutter; Case report; Congenital heart disease; Supraventricular tachycardia; Turner syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports