Recognition, understanding, and current management of cardiac lesions with decreased pulmonary blood flow

Abstract

Congenital heart lesions can be classified according to hemodynamic characteristics related to pulmonary blood flow patterns: increased, normal, or decreased, lesions with decreased pulmonary blood flow characteristically present with cyanosis. This article briefly reviews differential diagnoses for the presenting sign of cyanosis. Additionally, this article provides a comprehensive overview of cardiac physiology of lesions with decreased pulmonary blood flow. This information provides a foundation of knowledge for the recognition of acute symptoms in the newborn period and an understanding of immediate stabilization and medical and surgical interventions related to each diagnosis.