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Total anomalous pulmonary venous return - Treatment

Alternative Names

TAPVR

Treatment:

Early complete surgical repair is needed. In surgery, the pulmonary veins are connected to the left atrium and the defect between the right and left atrium is closed.

Expectations (prognosis):

If left untreated, death may occur by age 1 in babies with more severe defects. With surgery, early repair provides excellent results if there is no blockage of the pulmonary veins at the new connection into the heart.

Complications:

Heart failure
Breathing difficulties
Lung infections
Pulmonary hypertension
Irregular, fast heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

Calling your health care provider:

This condition may be apparent at the time of birth. However, symptoms may not be present until later.

Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms of TAPVR -- prompt attention is required.

Heart, section through the middle

Totally anomalous pulmonary venous return, X-ray

Reviewed last on: 12/21/2009
Kurt R. Schumacher, MD, Pediatric Cardiology, University of Michigan Congenital Heart Center, Ann Arbor, MI. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo; WB Saunders; 2007.

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