Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics

Niger J Paed 2015; 42 (1): 64 - 67
CASE REPORTS Conducting defect with atrial septal aneurysm in a preterm neonate: A case report from resource limited setting
Odetunde OI Ekwochi U Chinawa JM Ejim EC Ezugwu FO DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njp.v42i1,14 Accepted: 7th August 2014 Odetunde OI Chinawa JM Department of Paediatrics, Ejim EC Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria. Email: odetoyintola@yahoo.co.uk Ekwochi U Department of Paediatrics, Ezugwu FO Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.	Abstract: Conducting defect (CD) co-existing with interatrial septal anomaly (ISA) like Atrial Septal Aneurysm (ASA) is a rare congenital heart disease presenting with bradyarrhythmia in-utero due to defects in the heart electrical conducting system. We report a case of a preterm female ‘CC’ (GA=35weeks) low birth weight (2.4kg) neonate with CD and associated ASA. CC’s mother presented with poor foetal movements and bradyarrhythmia and had an emergency caesarian section at 35weeks with Apgar score of 3, 5. She was managed for perinatal Asphyxia. This report highlights the fact that ASA resolved at around the first year of life but the associated heart electrical conducting system defects persisted. The report also emphasizes the challenges of managing a rare neonatal cardiac condition in a resource limited setting and the importance of thorough foetal biophysical profile and early interventional delivery when it is necessary. Key words: Conducting defect; neonatal; Atrial Septal Aneurysm.