Neurodevelopmental outcomes in congenital heart disease through the lens of single ventricle patients

Purpose of review This review aims to summarize and organize the current body of literature on this contemporary topic, alongside a more general discussion of neurodevelopmental complications of congenital heart disease. Recent findings It is theorized that the causes of the neurodevelopment disabilities are multifactorial resulting from structural central nervous system abnormalities, haemodynamic alterations and/or biochemical changes. It is therefore imperative that all patients with single ventricle anatomy and physiology receive long-term neurologic and developmental assessments in addition to their cardiac monitoring. Advancements in surgical techniques and medical management have improved survivorship of these medically complex patients. Neurodevelopmental sequelae are one of the most common comorbidities affecting this patient population leading to long-term challenges in motor, language, social and cognitive skills.