Affiliations: Department of Pediatric Neurology, Leicester Royal
Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
Note: [] Corresponding author: Dr. Arif Khan, Department of Pediatric
Neurology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Infirmary square, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK.
Tel.: +44(0)1162585564; Fax: +44(0)1162587637; E-mail: khangoa@hotmail.com
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.
