An Infant with Apert Syndrome and Tetralogy of Fallot for Craniosynostosis Correction: Anesthetic Challenges

Abstract

Apert syndrome (AS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by craniosynostosis, craniofacial anomalies, and symmetrical syndactyly of hands and feet. Ten percent children with AS can have associated congenital cardiac anomalies. Association of complex cyanotic heart disease with craniosynostosis is very rare. So far, only one case has been reported in the literature. The craniosynostosis corrective surgery is associated with the risk of massive bleeding or venous air embolism, which can cause paradoxical air embolism and precipitate cyanotic spell, which makes the anesthesia more challenging. In this report, we present the anesthetic challenges of an 8-month-old infant with AS and tetralogy of Fallot for craniosynostosis correction.

Keywords

• apert’s syndrome
• tetralogy of fallot
• craniosynostosis
• paradoxical air embolism
• tet spell