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The Brain Matters in Simple Congenital Heart Defects
2020.11.12 |
| Date | Fri 04 Dec |
| Time | 11:00 — 13:00 |
| Location | Auditorium J116-113, Entrance J, Level 1, J110, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200 Aarhus N and online via Zoom |
Friday 4 December at 11:00, Benjamin Asschenfeldt defends his PhD dissertation entitled "The Brain Matters in Simple Congenital Heart Defects".
A distinctive pattern of neurodevelopmental and behavioral impairment and altered neuroanatomical morphology have been uncovered in survivors of congenital heart defect (CHD). However, these adverse outcomes remain unexplored in patients with the most common subtypes of congenital heart defect called atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD), that account for approximately 50% of all CHD cases. In the current PhD-project we therefore examined the impact of simple congenital heart defects on long-term brain development. Using a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and state-of-the-art brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we demonstrated subnormal neuropsychological performance and altered neuroanatomical morphology in adults who underwent surgery for isolated ASD or VSD during childhood. These unique findings indicate an adverse impact of isolated simple CHD on long-term neurodevelopment, and furthermore, emphasize the necessity of childhood screening and early intervention for neurodevelopmental issues in simple CHDs.
The summary is written by the PhD student.
The defence is public and takes place in Auditorium J116-113, Entrance J, Level 1, J110, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200 Aarhus N and online via Zoom. Please read the attached press release for more information.
PhD student Benjamin Asschenfeldt
Mail: ba@clin.au.dk
Tel.: (+45) 40955516