Antenatal Diagnosis of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome at 22 Weeks of Gestational Age: A Case Report

Abstract

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a severe congenital heart defect characterized by the underdevelopment of the left-sided heart structures, leading to systemic blood flow obstruction. This case report details the antenatal diagnosis of HLHS at 22 weeks of gestation in a 29-year-old woman. Fetal echocardiography confirmed severe hypoplasia of the left ventricle, mitral valve atresia, aortic valve stenosis, and a hypoplastic ascending aorta. The patient was counselled on the prognosis and management options, including staged surgical palliation. At 39 weeks, a male infant was delivered via planned cesarean section and underwent the Norwood procedure at 5 days old. The infant's postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged with plans for further surgical interventions. Early antenatal diagnosis and coordinated care significantly improve outcomes for HLHS, highlighting the importance of detailed fetal echocardiography and multidisciplinary management.