Diagnosing Eisenmenger Syndrome

How Is Eisenmenger Syndrome Diagnosed?

A child or adolescent with a history of an atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), or atrioventricular canal defect (AV canal) that has been unrepaired or repaired after one year of age is at risk for developing Eisenmenger syndrome.

The doctor may note a change or increase in intensity of a cardiac murmur (a blowing or rasping sound heard while listening to the heart that may or may not indicate problems within the heart or circulatory system) during a routine physical examination. Complaints of change in exercise tolerance or any associated shortness of breath, chest pain, or palpitations, especially with activity, should be reported to the doctor for further investigation.

The doctor will perform a physical examination, listening to the heart and lungs, and make other observations that help in the diagnosis.

Other tests that may be performed to help with the diagnosis include the following: