What is the cause of a boot-shaped heart in an X-ray (X-ray), also known as coeur en sabot?

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Differential Diagnosis for Boot Shaped Heart in X-ray

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis

    • Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF): This congenital heart defect is characterized by four main components, including ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, and an overriding aorta. The "boot-shaped" heart is a classic radiographic finding in TOF due to the right ventricular hypertrophy.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses

    • Pulmonary Stenosis: Isolated pulmonary stenosis can also lead to right ventricular hypertrophy, which may result in a boot-shaped heart on X-ray, although it is less common than in TOF.
    • Right Ventricular Hypertrophy (RVH) due to other causes: Any condition leading to RVH, such as pulmonary hypertension or other congenital heart diseases, could potentially cause a boot-shaped appearance on X-ray.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses

    • Pulmonary Embolism with Pulmonary Hypertension: Although less common, a large pulmonary embolism can lead to acute right ventricular strain and potentially a boot-shaped heart on X-ray. Missing this diagnosis could be fatal.
    • Eisenmenger Syndrome: A congenital heart defect with reversed or bidirectional shunt due to pulmonary hypertension, which can also lead to right ventricular hypertrophy and a boot-shaped heart.
  • Rare Diagnoses

    • Uhl's Anomaly: A rare congenital heart disease characterized by a partial or total absence of the myocardium of the right ventricle, which can lead to a boot-shaped heart due to the compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining myocardium.
    • Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC): A rare heart condition where the muscle in the right ventricle is replaced by fat and scar tissue, potentially leading to a boot-shaped heart on X-ray due to the structural changes in the right ventricle.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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