Journal of Pediatric Neurology 2012; 10(01): 057-061
DOI: 10.3233/JPN-2012-0532
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

Post-pump chorea: Choreoathetosis after cardiac surgery with hypothermia and extracorporeal circulation

Arif Khan
a   Department of Pediatric Neurology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
,
Nahin Hussain
a   Department of Pediatric Neurology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
,
Jayaprakash Gosalakkal
a   Department of Pediatric Neurology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
› Author Affiliations

Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

10 April 2011

19 July 2011

Publication Date:
30 July 2015 (online)

Abstract

Post-pump chorea is the development of choreo-athetoid movements within 2 wk following cardiopulmonary bypass, typically after an initial asymptomatic period. Choreoathetosis after congenital heart surgery has been described since 1960. It is seen in 1% to 3% of patients, from older infants to those in mid-childhood, and can be severe and irreversible, with a significant death rate. It is associated with orofacial dyskinesias, hypotonia, ballismus, supranuclear gaze palsy, affective changes and pseudobulbar signs. We describe a child who developed post-pump chorea after cardiac surgery, along with our management of this case. This is followed by a literature review of this rare but interesting condition.