Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection: From Embryology to a Prenatal Ultrasound Diagnostic Update

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection - prenatal echocardiography and neonatal follow-up

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection is a rare congenital heart defect that can be diagnosed prenatally and might be very important for perinatal management. In addition to other cardiac abnormalities (levocardia, situs inversus, small left ventricle, double outlet right ventricle, parallel great vessels, and hypoplastic aortic arch), total anomalous pulmonary venous connection of a subdiaphragmatic type was diagnosed during a prenatal echocardiography examination in the second half of pregnancy. Fetal echocardiography monitoring showed no signs of congestive heart failure. The neonate was born at 38 weeks of gestation at our tertiary center. Postnatal echocardiography revealed significant progression in neonatal hemodynamics, and early cardiac surgery, involving repair of the pulmonary veins, pulmonary artery banding, and aortic arch reconstruction, was performed with a good outcome. This case is an excellent example of the value of prenatal echocardiography.

Percutaneous Embolization of No Ligated Vertical Veins After Total Anomalous Pulmonary Vein Return Operation and Risk Factors for Its Persistence

BACKGROUND

The vertical vein (VV) ligation during the total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) correction is still controversial. Our study aimed to define the potential risk factors for VV persistence and their percutaneous occlusion.

METHODS

The retrospective cohort study included 40 patients (26 males) with TAPVR treated at the tertiary referral center from 2005 to 2024.

RESULTS

The average days of age at diagnosis was two (IQR 1-8). Complex congenital heart disease with TAPVR was diagnosed in eight patients. A supracardiac type of TAPVR was found in 47% of them. The patients underwent the operation on their eighth day of life (IQR 5-57). The follow-up period was 32 months (IQR 8-99). The early postoperative mortality rate was 17.5%, significantly frequent in the patients' group with combined CHD (p = 0.002). Four were reoperated on-three due to a postoperative obstruction between the pulmonary venous confluence and the left atrium (LA), while in one patient, a redirection of the VCI was performed. Four patients, aged 12.3 on average (IQR 8.9-14.7), underwent vertical vein embolization. All patients achieved complete occlusion with AVP2. The LA diameter Z score was lower than -4, an increased risk for VV persistence of almost 19 times (OR 18.6, 95% CI 1.6-216.0).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that an LA diameter Z score of lower than -4 was a major risk factor for VV persistence. Percutaneous VV embolization is a safe and effective procedure in adolescents.

Prenatal MR Diagnosis of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection and Related Brain Growth Changes

BACKGROUND

Prenatal diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is challenging, and little is known about how it affects brain development.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the utility of fetal MRI to diagnose TAPVC and related brain growth changes.

STUDY TYPE

Retrospective case-control study.

POPULATION

Twenty-one fetuses (23.0 to 30.8 weeks, mean 26.4 weeks) with pre-natal MRI diagnosis of TAPVC. Post-natal images and surgery were available in 18 fetuses. Brain volumes in TAPVC fetuses were compared with age and sex matched 100 cases of normal controls and 38 fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).

SEQUENCE

Single shot turbo spin echo sequence for evaluating fetal brain, and steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequence for evaluating fetal cardiovascular structures at 1.5 T.

ASSESSMENT

TAPVC type was determined by visualizing the drainage of the common pulmonary vein and dilated coronary sinus: supracardiac, intracardiac and infracardiac. The fetal pulmonary edema was evaluated, and fetal brain volumes were measured using automatic segmentation.

STATISTICAL TESTS

One-way analysis of variance and post hoc least square difference tests to evaluate differences in variables between TAPVC, TOF and control groups. A P value <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Of the 21 cases of TAPVC, 10 (47.6%) were identified as supracardiac, 8 (38.1%) as intracardiac, and 3 (14.3%) as infracardiac. Eighteen cases were confirmed by postnatal imaging and surgery; the remaining three cases had no confirmation. Six cases were associated with other cardiovascular abnormalities. Key MRI features of fetal TAPVC included a dilated coronary sinus and vertical vein. Fetal pulmonary edema was seen in six cases. Compared to controls, TAPVC fetuses had lower cerebellum and brainstem volumes and higher e-CSF, while had larger subcortical brain tissue, cerebellum, brainstem, e-CSF, and intracranial cavity volumes than those of TOF cases.

DATA CONCLUSION

Fetal MRI may be a useful modality for evaluating fetal TAPVC and altered brain development.

EVIDENCE LEVEL

3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.

Factor Analysis of the Missed Diagnosis of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection in Prenatal Echocardiography

AIM

This study investigated the major factors contributing to the missed diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) in fetal echocardiography.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the prenatal ultrasonic images of 32 fetuses with missed diagnoses of TAPVC, compared them with autopsy and postnatal surgical records, and summarized the most likely reasons leading to the missed diagnoses.

RESULTS

We studied a total of 157 fetuses with TAPVC, 32 (20.3%) of whom were missed in prenatal echocardiography. The main factors for the missed diagnoses of TAPVC in the 32 fetuses were anatomic variants leading to the formation of a false pulmonary venous horn-like structure, the combination of TAPVC with other intracardiac anomalies, difficulty or inability to show the course and abouchement of TAPVC on conventional color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), and excessive color flow gain, with a rate of approximately 53.1% (17/32). A decreased left atrial size and augmentation of the PLAS index may be indicators of false pulmonary venous horn-like structure.

CONCLUSION

False pulmonary venous horn-like structures due to anatomic variants are a major factor in the missed diagnosis of fetal TAPVC. The presence of pulmonary venous horn-like structure in a four-chamber view does not completely exclude TAPVC.

Hemorrhagic pericardial effusion superimposed on total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: First-reported case

INTRODUCTION

Among congenital heart diseases (CHD), total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC), constitutes approximately 0.5-2 % of all detected cardiac anomalies in newborns. Hemorrhagic pericardial effusions are frequently caused by malignancy and iatrogenic cause; however, they can be idiopathic.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We introduce an exceptional case of a previously healthy young adult male who sought medical attention at our institution due to chest discomfort. Investigation revealed a large hemorrhagic pericardial effusion, which recurred three times despite treatment with pericardiocentesis. Further investigation revealed a TAPVC, which subsequently resolved following surgical repair.

DISCUSSION

TAPVC carries a mortality rate of up to 80 % if unrepaired by one year of age. The supracardiac type of TAPVC and presence of atrial septal defect (ASD) are factors that contribute to survival. The simultaneous occurrence of hemorrhagic pericardial effusions in the setting of unrepaired TAPVC in adults is uncommon. The resolution of the hemorrhagic pericardial effusion suggests a possible association between the two disease entities.

CONCLUSION

Our case draws attention due to the scarcity of available medical literature reporting such a unique occurrence. Providers should remain vigilant regarding a possible superimposed hemorrhagic pericardial effusion, which could develop in the setting of unrepaired TAPVC in adults.

Successful surgical repair of isolated supra-cardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) with venous confluence stenosis using dual anastomosis: a case report from Syria

We present the case of a 7-month-old female infant with a history of recurrent respiratory infections and symptoms of respiratory distress during feeding. Echocardiography isolated revealed supracardiac-type total anomalous pulmonary venous connection with a large ostium secundum atrial septal defect and severe pulmonary hypertension. Computed tomographic angiography confirmed the diagnosis and identified stenosis at the level of the venous confluence. The surgical intervention involved a novel approach using dual anastomoses between the pulmonary venous confluence and the left atrium, alongside atrial septal defect repair with a bovine pericardial patch. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with successful weaning from mechanical ventilation on Day 9 and discharge on Day 12. The patient showed optimal venous drainage and hemodynamic stability, indicating a successful surgical outcome. This case highlights the importance of early surgical intervention in total anomalous pulmonary venous connection with complex anatomical presentations.

Prenatal Ultrasound Markers of Isolated Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return and a Sequential Approach to Reach Diagnosis

This article comprehensively reviews the literature concerning prenatal ultrasound findings of isolated total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) and the application of specific sonographic markers to differentiate among the TAPVR types. These markers can be categorized as direct and indirect, based on either morphological features or hemodynamic changes in TAPVR. Indirect markers include the ventricular disproportion, an increased distance between the left atrium (LA) and the descending aorta, as well as the dilatation of superior vena cava or coronary sinus for supracardiac or cardiac TAPVR, along with abnormal pulmonary venous spectral Doppler patterns. Direct markers predominantly focus on the absence of a connection between the pulmonary veins and the LA. Some direct markers are specific to certain TAPVR types, such as the vertical vein. Diagnosing isolated TAPVR can pose challenges, but following a sequential approach can improve detection rates and outcomes. In cases with equivocal findings, additional follow-ups are recommended. The sequential approach described in the current article provides a step-wise methodology and sonographic markers for prenatal diagnosis of TAPVR, which can be utilized by fetal-maternal medicine specialists, obstetricians, and radiological technicians to ensure timely interventions.

Cardiac Laterality: Surgical Results of Right Atrial Isomerism

Right atrial isomerism (RAI) is a complex entity with varying diagnostic and treatment outcomes due to its rarity. Treatment options range from palliative to corrective surgeries, resulting in heterogeneous outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze the results obtained after cardiac surgery in patients with RAI. A retrospective study was conducted, including patients diagnosed with RAI who underwent cardiac surgery. Their follow-up was from 1 January 2010 to 31 March 2020. Demographic characteristics and perioperative conditions were described. Thirty-eight patients were included, the median age was 4 years (IQR 2-9.2) and 57.9% were men. The main diagnoses were atrioventricular canal (63.2%) and pulmonary stenosis (55.3%). The most common surgical procedures were modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (65.8%) and total cavopulmonary connection with an extracardiac conduit fenestrated without cardiopulmonary bypass (15.9%). We did not find any factors associated with negative outcomes in these patients. The overall survival was 86.8%, with a better outcome in those who did not require reintubation (log rank, p < 0.01). The survival of RAI was similar to other centers. Individuals with RAI should be evaluated rigorously to determine an adequate repair strategy, considering high morbidity and mortality.

Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) Angiography Evaluation of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare congenital cardiovascular malformation in which all four pulmonary veins anomalously drain into the right atrium (RA) either directly or indirectly. There are four main types based on the site of connection. Any type of TAPVC may be associated with obstruction and presents early in the neonatal period with cyanosis, tachycardia, or respiratory distress. We present four cases of all types of TAPVC and its imaging findings in multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography. Cardiac CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are very useful in delineating the anatomy and drainage pathway of anomalous pulmonary veins. MDCT angiography is noninvasive and easily available, and rapid image acquisition is possible with high spatial resolution. Since early diagnosis and surgical correction are necessary for the survival of these neonates, rapid image acquisition using MDCT angiography can be preferred over MRI.

Anomalous venoatrial connections - CT and MRI assessment

Abnormal venous atrial (VA) connections present a congenital heart disease (CHD) challenge for pediatric cardiologists. Fully anatomical evaluation is very difficult in prenatal and perinatal follow-up, but it has a profound impact on surgical correction and outcome. The echocardiogram is first-line imaging and represents the gold standard tool for simple abnormal VA connection. CT and MRI are mandatory for more complex heart disease and "nightmare cases". 3D post-processing of volumetric CT and MRI acquisition helps to clarify anatomical relationships and allows for the creation of 3D printing models that can become crucial in customizing surgical strategy. Our article describes a ten-year (2013-2022) tertiary referral CHD center of abnormal AV connections investigated with CT and MRI, illustrating most of these complex diseases with the help of volume rendering (VR) or multiplanar reconstructions (MPR). The nightmarish cases will also be addressed due to the complex cardiovascular arrangement that requires a challenging surgical solution for correction along with the post-surgical complications.

A clinical case of successful palliative endovascular treatment of a patient with a single ventricle, mitral valve atresia, an intact atrial septum and persistent cardinal vein

BACKGROUND

Treatment of newborns with univentricular hemodynamics in combination with an anomaly of pulmonary venous return has the worst correction results in modern cardiac surgical papers. According to the data obtained by different authors, postoperative mortality in this cohort of patients varies from 41.7 to 53%. The presence of the venous outflow tract obstruction, as well as the serious condition of a newborn, is one of the main factors that increase the risk of death in the postoperative period.

CASE PRESENTATION

This article reveals a clinical case of a patient with a combined heart disease prenatally diagnosed in the form of a functionally single ventricle with a double outlet of the main vessels from it, mitral valve atresia, an intact atrial septum and an anomaly of venous return, when the blood outflow from the left atrium was carried out through a single fetal communication such as stenotic cardinal vein. In order to stabilize the patient's condition, the newborn urgently underwent stenting of the stenotic section of the cardinal vein. However, due to the lack of positive dynamics in the postoperative period, the child underwent repeated endovascular intervention and stenting of the intraoperatively created interatrial communication was performed. Taking into account the absence of obstruction of the outflow tract to the pulmonary artery, it was necessary to perform an open surgical intervention in a short time such as pulmonary artery banding.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, palliative endovascular intervention in critically ill neonates with univentricular hemodynamics and anomalous pulmonary venous return can be considered as a method of choice that can become a new safer strategy for managing infants in order to stabilize the condition before the main stage of surgical intervention comes.

Three-dimensional spatiotemporal imaging correlation in the diagnosis of isolated infracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection in fetal life

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a critical congenital heart disease which is often missed on prenatal echocardiography because of the decreased pulmonary blood flow in fetal life. Improvement in technology has resulted in increasing prenatal diagnosis of this condition. We report a foetus with infra cardiac TAPVC in whom prenatal diagnosis was facilitated by the use of STIC technology.

Successful surgical repair in an older adult with supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: A case report

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare, cyanotic and critical congenital heart disease where the entire left and right pulmonary veins fail to drain into the left atrium directly. Also, TAPVC-induced tissue hypoxia gradually worsens after birth. Thus, timely surgical repairs are recommended once diagnosed, particularly with pulmonary venous drainage obstruction(s). Nonetheless, in sporadic cases, patients with TAPVC survive to adulthood with no surgical treatment. Herein, we report a 46-year-old female with TAPVC, where the four pulmonary veins drain into to the innominate vein (IV) via the vertical vein. The patient developed palpitations and non-anginal chest pain following routine activities for over three months. The patient had a successful surgical correction with excellent postoperative recovery.

Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return in the Time of SARS-CoV-2-Case Report

The management of children with complex and life-threatening heart malformations became a clinical conundrum during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The pathophysiological features of the new coronavirus infection have raised major dilemmas regarding the postoperative evolution of an infected patient, and the epidemiological limitations have tightened the criteria for selecting cases. We present the case of a newborn diagnosed with total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) who underwent surgical repair of the defect with favorable outcome, despite a prior diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We discuss the medical and surgical management of TAPVR, highlighting possible management difficulties brought by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Can Prenatal Diagnosis of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR) Using Routine Fetal Ultrasound be Improved? A Case-Control Study

Objectives

To determine the most common fetal ultrasound markers of total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) during mid-trimester ultrasound using standardly obtained images and evaluate the performance of diagnostic algorithms for improving prenatal diagnosis.

Methods

This was a matched case-control study at a regional referral centre (2005 to 2019). Cases of TAPVR were matched to controls 1 : 4 by date of birth and biologic sex. Postprocessing review of stored fetal ultrasound images was performed by two blinded and independent observers in a standardized fashion using nine sonographic markers: (i) left/right heart disproportion; (ii) abnormal distribution of great vessels; (iii) pulmonary vein entry into the left atrium (LA); (iv) confluence behind the LA; (v) abnormal coronary sinus; (vi) absence of the Coumadin ridge; (vii) aortic diameter; (viii) distance between LA and aorta; and (ix) post-LA space index >1.27. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present results and compare cases and controls. Diagnostic algorithms were compared by sensitivity/specificity.

Results

21 cases of isolated TAPVR were matched to 84 controls (n = 105). The most common ultrasound marker of TAPVR was absence of pulmonary vein entry into the LA (42.9%), followed by abnormal Coumadin ridge (38.1%). Cases of TAPVR had significantly larger post-LA spaces than controls (p < 0.0001) and wider aortic diameters (p=0.006). A diagnostic algorithm stratifying on absence of pulmonary veins followed by an abnormal Coumadin ridge, can correctly identify cases of TAPVR with high specificity (90.5%) and moderate sensitivity (61.9%). Conversely, a diagnostic algorithm using the presence of any 3 abnormal markers had improved specificity (94.1%) but poorer sensitivity (23.8%).

Conclusions

Using standardly obtained images from routine fetal ultrasound, improved prenatal detection of isolated TAPVR is possible. A standardized diagnostic approach can be highly specific for fetal TAPVR, however, algorithms that are sufficiently sensitive for screening in the general population are still needed.

Alagille syndrome associated with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection and severe xanthomas: A case report

BACKGROUND

Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations in the JAG1 or NOTCH2 gene. It is characterized by decreased intrahepatic bile ducts associated with a variety of abnormalities in many other organ systems, such as the cardiovascular, skeletal, and urinary systems.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a rare case of ALGS. A 1-month-old male infant presented with sustained jaundice and had a rare congenital heart disease: Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). Sustained jaundice, particularly with cardiac murmur, caught our attention. Laboratory tests revealed elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, total bilirubin, and total bile acids, indicating serious intrahepatic cholestasis. Imaging confirmed the presence of butterfly vertebra at the seventh thoracic vertebra. This suggested ALGS, which was confirmed by genetic testing with a c.3197dupC mutation in the JAG1 gene. Ursodiol was administered immediately after confirmation of the diagnosis, and cardiac surgery was performed when the patient was 1.5 month old. He recovered well after treatment and was discharged at the age of 3 mo. At the age of two years, the patient returned to our clinic because multiple cutaneous nodules with xanthomas appeared, and their size and number increased over time.

CONCLUSION

We report a unique case of ALGS associated with TAPVC and severe xanthomas. This study has enriched the clinical manifestations of ALGS and emphasized the association between JAG1 gene and TAPVC.

Infradiaphragmatic partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection in adulthood. Considerations for management: a single centre experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Infradiaphragmatic partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection is occasionally diagnosed in adulthood. Management of infradiaphragmatic PAPVC depends on anatomy and clinical presentation.

METHODS

Over a 10-year period, we observed seven adult patients (median age 29 years) with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection. We classified our patients in two groups. Group I: isolated partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection from one pulmonary lobe to the inferior vena cava, three patients. Group II: partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection of the entire right lung to IVC, four patients.

RESULTS

The mean term follow-up was 5.4 years. Patients in Group I have been managed conservatively, as they were asymptomatic, without a significant shunt. Patients in Group II were surgically corrected using long right intra-atrial baffles. After 6 months of follow-up, the first two cases were diagnosed with complete tunnel thrombosis and loss of right lung function. Oral anticoagulation failed to recanalize the tunnel. Considering this serious complication, the other two patients were empirically and preventively treated with anticoagulation after surgery, with good outcome on long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative management should be considered for asymptomatic patients, without a significant shunt. Surgical treatment of infradiaphragmatic partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection of the entire right lung in inferior vena cava is challenging. Slow blood flow inside the long intra-atrial baffles inclines to thrombosis and occlusion, as we observed in two cases. Therefore, oral anticoagulation should be considered for long baffles with slow blood flow.

Transcatheter closure of patent vertical vein after repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: a case series

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection is a rare cyanotic CHD that requires surgical repair. An unligated vertical vein after total anomalous pulmonary venous connection surgery may help to decrease the episodes of post-operative pulmonary hypertensive crises, low cardiac output syndrome, and mortality. The aim was to assess long-term outcome and our post-operative transcatheter vertical vein closure experiences in five patients with repaired total anomalous pulmonary venous connection patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in five cases with an unligated vertical vein following repair of supra-cardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection at our hospital from 2011 through 2018. Patients characteristics, cardiac catheterisation findings, surgical, and transcatheter procedural details were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

Transcatheter closure of the unligated vertical vein was technically successful in all the patients. Procedure-related complications were not observed in any of the patients. No long-term complication was found.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that transcatheter closure of the patent vertical vein is an effective and well-tolerated alternative to the surgical approach.

Emergency surgical treatment of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection

BACKGROUND

This study explored the strategy and effect of emergency surgical treatment for total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC).

METHODS

From March 2009 to February 2020, 78 patients with TAPVC underwent emergency surgical correction. There were 51 males and 27 females. The median age was 39.5 days, and the median weight was 4.0 kg. Preoperative percutaneous oxygen saturation was 80.8% ± 4.5%.

RESULTS

Of the cases investigated, seven died during the perioperative period; 16 had a delayed chest closure; 19 had early pulmonary vein obstruction; two had secondary tracheal intubation; one had a brain complication; and one had a third-degree atrioventricular block. Low weight, younger age, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and aortic cross-clamp time were identified as risk factors for early mortality. During the follow-up from 4 to 137 months, 12 cases did not respond to follow-up requests. Ten patients died within 1-6 months after discharge. One patient underwent reoperation due to pulmonary vein obstruction. The longer hospital stay after the operation and intensive care unit time were identified as risk factors for late mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency surgery for severe TAPVC patients after admission achieved good short-term results. Prenatal diagnosis should be strengthened to save more patients. The higher late mortality rate of such patients indicates that post-discharge management should be strengthened to reduce the occurrence of post-discharge deaths.

Malposition of septum primum in isolated dextrocardia: unique and rare form of anomalous pulmonary venous return in association with partial absence of pericardium-case report

BACKGROUND

Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) refers to an anomaly in which all of the pulmonary veins drain directly or indirectly to the systemic venous circulation. However, unusual types constitute approximately 5% or less of TAPVRs and there may be obstruction or discontinuity of pulmonary vein at various levels.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 3-month-old infant was presented to us with history of poor feeding, respiratory distress and desaturations. The routine echocardiographic investigation initially confirmed the diagnosis of an atrial septal defect with dextrocardia. However, due to disproportionate severity of symptoms and congestive heart failure a cardiac computer tomography angiogram was done that revealed a rare finding of connection of pulmonary veins fused with the posterior atrium, but on the rightward side of the deviated atrial septum. Therefore, pulmonary veins entered a sinus that drains directly into the right atrial superior-posterior wall. During surgical repair, we found an area of absent pericardium in the diaphragmatic surface of the heart. The patient underwent total repair of the TAPVR and patch reconstruction of the pericardial defect. The patient is doing well at 6-month follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

The septum primum malposition defect resulting in TAPVR is a very rare congenital anomaly that can be rarely seen without any heterotaxy. The anomalous features including absent pericardium and dextrocardia were present in this patient have not been described previously with TAPVR. Therefore, we have hypothesized the embryological correlation of absent pericardium and cardiac malposition in such case. Transthoracic echocardiography with Doppler interrogation is a reliable method for diagnosing this condition. In case of suboptimal echocardiographic image due to cardiac position, unclear anatomy or unexplained symptoms, advanced imaging such as computer tomographic angiography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can be very helpful. Preoperative proper diagnosis of this anomaly facilitates successful surgical management with excellent outcome.

Utility of a modified vascular corrosion casting technique in the diagnosis of fetal total anomalous pulmonary venous connection

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare congenital cardiac malformation, and prenatal detection of TAPVC malformation remains a challenging. TAPVC can be easily missed or misdiagnosed in prenatal examinations. This study was aimed to use the modified vascular corrosion casting technique to prepare fetal cardiovascular casts with TAPVC and investigate the utility of cardiovascular casting for the demonstration of fetal TAPVC. The retrospective study enrolled twenty fetuses (22 to 29 + 4 gestational weeks) with TAPVC diagnosed by prenatal echocardiography and casting technique from May 2015 to May 2020. Pre- and postnatal medical records, including results obtained by prenatal ultrasound, postpartum computed tomography angiography, as well as anatomic and cardiovascular casting findings were carefully reviewed and analyzed. In twenty cases, 80% (16/20) had intra- or extracardiac malformations. The TAPVC types were supracardiac (n = 8), cardiac (n = 6), infracardiac (n = 4), and mixed (n = 2). The diagnosis of 1 case each of supracardiac and cardiac TAPVC was modified to partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection; additionally, 4 malformations were missed and 2 were misdiagnosed, including an anomalous left brachiocephalic vein in supracardiac TAPVC, abnormal inflow of the hepatic vein and a double inferior vena cava in infracardiac TAPVC; and bilateral ductus arteriosus in infracardiac TAPVC; a tetralogy of Fallot in cardiac TAPVC that was corrected to right ventricular double outlet; and an absence of ductus arteriosus that was misdiagnosed as slim ductus arteriosus. Comparing with ultrasound, casting technique has its own superiority in exhibiting TAPVC abnormalities, especially in certain types such as course, origin and absence abnormalities of ductus. Postpartum cardiovascular casts can accurately depict the branch structure of the heart's larger vessels, and may be used as a clinical assessment and teaching method in complex cardiac malformations.

Prenatal diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: 2D and 3D echocardiographic findings

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare cyanotic congenital heart disease that accounts for less than 1% of all congenital heart diseases. TAPVC is characterized by the absence of pulmonary venous drainage into the left atrium. It is underdiagnosed in utero, with prenatal detection rates of less than 1.4%. The prenatal diagnosis of TAPVC affects the postnatal outcome, particularly in obstructive forms (critical TAPVC), since planned delivery and perinatal management are mandatory. Thus, identifying the ultrasound key markers of TAPVC is important for the prenatal diagnosis and perinatal assistance. The ventricular size discrepancy (right ventricle > left ventricle) can be a useful marker. Furthermore, the increased retroatrial distance between the left atrium and the aorta could be a diagnostic marker for prenatal TAPVC, especially when the left atrium is small. Three- (3D) and four-dimensional ultrasonography may improve the prenatal diagnosis of TAPVC. This study reviews the two (2D) and 3D ultrasonographic markers used in the antenatal diagnosis of TAPVC, with a focus on the tools that can be used by sonographers, obstetricians, and fetal medicine specialists to improve the prenatal diagnosis of TAPVC, and when to refer the case to a fetal cardiac specialist.

An unusual case of obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous return with gastric varices

Total anomalous pulmonary venous return with obstruction to the venous pathway is a life-threatening emergency. We report a neonate with unusual infradiaphragmatic drainage into the ductus venosus and gastric veins. Neonatal gastric varices with obstructed pulmonary venous return are extremely rare with potential for catastrophic gastrointestinal haemorrhage. The complex anatomy first detected by echocardiography was clarified on CT.

Unligated vertical vein presenting as a large atrio-portal shunt in adulthood: a case report

A 28-year-old male with infra-cardiac totally anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) repaired as new-born presented in adulthood with right heart strain and very large left atrium to portal vein vessel. Residual connections from pulmonary veins to systemic circulation are believed to represent persistent ‘vertical veins’ (VV) not ligated at the time of the initial surgery. In our patient, since endovascular occlusion was not judged suitable, the anomalous vessel was surgically ligated and resected. A review of the literature failed to find such a procedure reported in an adult patient and analyzed the intra-operative ligation of VV during repair of TAPVC.

Assessing the recently noted surgical outcome of isolated total anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair: A single-secondary center experience

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare cyanotic congenital heart defect. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of isolated TAPVC repairs and the prognoses of affected patients in the last 12 years at a single center.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 51 patients who underwent isolated TAPVC repair from 2007 to 2018.

RESULTS

The median age at operation was 19 days, and the median body weight was 3.3 kg. Thirteen (25.5%) patients had emergency operations, and the median follow-up period was 29.54 ± 36.77 months. Early mortality was noted in five patients and late mortality was noted in one patient. Pulmonary vein stenosis was observed in 22 patients within 3 to 6 months after the operation, and six patients required reoperation or transcatheter interventions. Low birth weight, small left atrial volume, long operation time, and preoperative heart failure were identified as risk factors for mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated TAPVC can rapidly lead to hemodynamic instability during the neonatal period and is associated with high mortality rates. Increasing the prenatal diagnosis rate and stabilizing the patients' condition before the operation are considered important for improving the surgical outcome.