# Delayed Diagnosis of Tricuspid Atresia: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 16-month-old girl in Nepal with tricuspid atresia faced delayed diagnosis and treatment due to financial barriers and traditional healing, requiring emergency surgery.

## Contribution

Highlights the challenges of delayed diagnosis and treatment of tricuspid atresia in resource-limited settings.

## Key findings

- The child was diagnosed with tricuspid atresia type IB and a ventricular septal defect after initial mismanagement.
- Emergency surgery was required after the child collapsed and needed CPR.
- The child had a difficult recovery but was eventually discharged in stable condition.

## Abstract

Tricuspid atresia is a rare cyanotic congenital heart disease that impairs oxygenation. A 16-month-old female child from a rural area in Nepal presented with shortness of breath, cyanosis of the lips and extremities, feeding difficulties, and severe acute malnutrition. The patient had been diagnosed with cyanotic congenital heart disease at nine months but had sought treatment from shamans due to financial constraints. Diagnostic echocardiography at the referred center revealed tricuspid atresia type IB with a ventricular septal defect. While awaiting surgery, the child collapsed and was revived after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Emergency surgery was then performed. After surgery, the child had a stormy recovery and was subsequently discharged home in stable condition.