Abstract

BA Animasahun, A Johnson, OO Ogunkunle, OA Idowu, Sunita Maheshwari, OF Njokanma, F Bode-Thomas, SI Omokhodion

Cardiac catheterization had not been available locally for about three decades but resurfaced about 3 years ago. This study aimed at documenting the profiles of the patients who had undergone cardiac catheterization since its availability, the challenges encountered and the prospects associated with the procedure at the study. Patients referred for cardiac catheterization between May 2010 and September 2012 were studied consecutively. Profile of the patients including diagnosis at referral and indication for cardiac catheterization were documented. Twenty-four patients were recruited into the study, 21 (87.5%) from public hospital and 3 (12.5%) from private hospital. The age ranged between one to 62 years with a mean age + SD of 14.5+ 9.0 years. 66.7% were females while 33.3% were males with M/F of 1: 2. Fifteen (62.5%) had acyanotic congenital heart disease while 9 (37.5%) had cyanotic congenital heart disease. Thirteen had diagnostic cardiac catheterization while eleven had device closure of acyanotic congenital heart defect. Diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization is now available in Nigeria, high degree of manpower training, cost and local availability of consumables are major limiting factor to its use. Regional and International collaboration could be mutually beneficial.