Mixed Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection Research Articles

A 15-Year Experience With Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection in Vietnam.

This article aims to demonstrate the morphology of 261 total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) cases operated at Children's Hospital 1 with in-hospital mortality of 19.5% (51/261). All the surgical protocols of TAPVC cases repaired between 2008 and June 2023 were reviewed. The descriptions of TAPVC were based on operative findings by surgeons. A total of 261 TAPVC patients were operated, including 124 (47.5%) supra, 83 (31.8%) intra, 41 (15.7%) infra, and 13 (5%) mixed cases. The in-hospital mortality was 19.5% (51/261). Fifteen cases are associated with other anomalies of the heart. Four subtypes of 124 supra TAPVC were found, with 42 (33.9%) obstructed cases. The standard was all pulmonary veins (PVs) forming a common vein (CV) and draining into the innominate veins, then going to the superior vena cava (SVC) (100/124, 80.6%). Eleven supra TAPVC cases were vascular vise type. Ten cases had the vertical vein running from the right of the CV and draining directly into the SVC. Of 83 intracardiac TAPVCs with 9 (10.8%) obstructed cases, the most common was all PVs draining directly into the coronary sinus (60/83, 72.3%). The second was all PVs draining directly into the right atrium (RA) via separated ostia or forming a CV before entering the RA (17/83, 20.5%). Also, there were three cases with rare variants and 100% obstruction when the diagnosis was explored. The in-hospital mortality of intracardiac type was 13.3% (11/83) 41 infra TAPVC with obstructed rate of 61% (25/41) and in-hospital mortality of 29.3% (12/41). Thirteen mixed TAPVCs were repaired, with most cases having three PVs forming a CV. This article provides valuable information about the morphology of TAPVC types in Asian patients.

Echocardiographic features and influencing factors of pulmonary hypertension of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection in adults.

Patients with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) generally have symptoms during the neonatal period and infancy, and the fatality rate is extremely high. Most patients do not survive to adulthood. This study analyzed the clinical and transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) manifestations of adult patients with TAPVC, summarized the echocardiographic characteristics of TAPVC, and identified the factors influencing pulmonary hypertension. Data from adult patients with TAPVC from Beijing Anzhen Hospital, China, were retrospectively collected for analyses, including sex, age, history of gestation, clinical manifestations, echocardiographic parameters, and blood oxygen levels. Patients were grouped for comparative analyses based on their pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) (≥60 vs. <60 mmHg); 32 atrial septal defect (ASD) patients were included as a control group. (I) Sixteen patients were identified with TAPVC (11 women and 5 men; mean age: 32.2±9.5 years), including 8, 4, and 4 patients with supra-cardiac, mixed, and intracardiac type TAPVC, respectively. Furthermore, 10 patients had moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation, and 6 had a PASP of ≥60 mmHg. Echocardiography misdiagnosed 2 patients with an ASD. (II) The TAPVC group patients had a smaller left atrium (LA) and a lower aorta/pulmonary artery ratio than ASD-only group patients. However, the right ventricular diameter (RVd) and right atrium were larger in patients with TAPVC than in those with only ASD. (III) The RVd was larger and the LA was smaller in patients with a PASP of ≥60 mmHg than in those with a PASP of <60 mmHg. (IV) Of those with a PASP of ≥60 mmHg, TAPVC patients had a smaller LA and a larger RVd than those with only ASD. (V) Pregnancy affected the PASP (adjusted odds ratio: 15.000, 95% confidence interval: 1.031-218.300, P=0.047). (VI) Echocardiography indicated that TAPVC patients with ASD had a right to left shunt at the atrial level and the pulmonary vein (PV) was not connected to the LA. Searching for the PV by TTE is necessary for patients with ASDs, which may help avoid misdiagnosis. Moreover, pregnancy affects the PASP. Patients with TAPVC may present with a larger right heart, smaller LA, and lower aorta/pulmonary artery ration than those with only ASD.

Prenatal diagnosis and postnatal verification in fetuses with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

To systematically verify the accuracy of a four-step prenatal ultrasonography in diagnosing fetal total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). A total of 62 TAPVC fetuses received prenatal ultrasonography and were confirmed by postnatal echocardiography, surgery, or postabortion autopsy. The suspected TAPVC fetuses were further screened by a four-step prenatal ultrasonography for TAPVC classification, pulmonary venous obstruction, and the associated malformations, and followed postpartum. The sonographic features, clinical data, and prognosis of the TAPVC fetuses were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 62 TAPVC fetuses, supracardiac TAPVC was found in 20 cases, intracardiac TAPVC in 12, infracardiac TAPVC in 21, and mixed TAPVC in 9. A total of 30 cases with right atrium isomerism were correctly diagnosed. Of the 11 cases with other intracardiac and extracardiac malformations, 1 case was missed to be diagnosed. Of the 21 isolated TAPVC cases, 6 were missed prenatally and 1 case was prenatally diagnosed as intracardiac and postnatally proved to be mixed (intracardiac type + supracardiac type) by echocardiography. Of the 13 TAPVC live births, 4 infants died in the neonatal period without operation. Of the nine infants undergoing the operation, five recuperated and survived; one survived but had complications with superior vena cava obstruction and collateral circulation formation, and three died postoperatively. The four-step prenatal ultrasound procedure can comprehensively and systematically evaluate fetal TAPVC, detailing the classification, potential obstruction, and associated malformations. It provides substantial support for subsequent prenatal counseling and neonatal assessment. The retrospective analysis also reveals that isolated TAPVC is more prone to be missed in diagnosis.

A Risk Prediction Model for Reintervention After Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection Repair

BackgroundOutcomes after total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) repair remain suboptimal due to recurrent pulmonary vein (PV) obstruction requiring reinterventions. We sought to develop a clinical prediction rule for PV reintervention after TAPVC repair. MethodsData from consecutive patients who underwent TAPVC repair at a single institution from January 1980 to January 2020 were retrospectively reviewed after Institutional Review Board approval. The primary outcome was postdischarge (late) unplanned PV surgical or transcatheter reintervention. Echocardiographic criteria were used to assess PV residual lesion severity at discharge (class 1: no residua; class 2: minor residua; class 3: major residua). Competing risk models were used to develop a weighted risk score for late reintervention. ResultsOf 437 patients who met entry criteria, there were 81 (18.5%) reinterventions at a median follow-up of 15.6 (interquartile range, 5.5-22.2) years. On univariable analysis, minor and major PV residua, age, single-ventricle physiology, infracardiac and mixed TAPVC, and preoperative obstruction were associated with late reintervention (all P < .05). The final risk prediction model included PV residua (class 2: subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR], 4.8; 95% CI, 2.8-8.1; P < .001; class 3: SHR, 6.4; 95% CI, 3.5-11.7; P < .001), age <1 year (SHR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.3-8.5; P = .014), and preoperative obstruction (SHR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-2.8; P = .015). A risk score comprising PV residua (class 2 or 3: 3 points), age (neonate or infant: 2 points), and obstruction (1 point) was formulated. Higher risk scores were significantly associated with worse freedom from reintervention (P < .001). ConclusionsA risk prediction model of late reintervention may guide prognostication of high-risk patients after TAPVC repair.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: 16 years of surgical results in a single center.

The aim of the study was to analyze the surgical outcome of patients with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) who underwent cardiac surgery. A retrospective study was carried out. Patients with diagnosis of TAPVC undergoing cardiac surgery at the National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez, from January 1, 2003 and June 30, 2019 were included. Descriptive statistics were calculated, as well as a bivariate analysis of the variables associated with mortality. A logistic regression model was included to determine risk factors associated with the main outcome and survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. A total of 5314 patients diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD) underwent surgery, 414 (7.8%) were patients with TAPVC, with an average age of 17.1 ± 34.6 months, 58.2% were male. It was frequent in infants (61.6%) and preschool (19.6%). Predominant type was supracardiac TAPVC (47.4%). Pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO) occurred in 32.1%. Risk factors associated with mortality were infracardiac TAPVC (odds ratio [OR]: 3.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-9.03; p = .02), PVO (OR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.05-6.22; p = .03) and postoperative mechanical ventilation (OR: 1.005; 95% CI: 1.002-1.008; p = .01). Overall survival was 87.2%, with better outcomes in adolescents (100%), children (94.1%), mixed TAPVC (96%), and cardiac TAPVC (91.9%;p < .001). The survival of our institution after surgical correction of TAPVC is similar to that of other referral centers, where patients with infracardiac TAPVC and newborns worse outcomes. All patients must undergo a rigorous evaluation to determine an adequate repair strategy.

Risk factors for postoperative pulmonary venous obstruction after surgical repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: a systemic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVESA meta-analysis was performed to investigate the risk factors for postoperative pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO) after surgical repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC).METHODSData bases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched systematically. The goal was to discuss the risk factors for postoperative PVO after TAPVC. Publications were screened by 2 authors independently for criteria inclusion, methodological quality assessment and data extraction. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality checklist were obtained to assess the quality of the studies. Data were pooled by the random effect model or the fixed effect model according to the heterogeneity test.RESULTSA total of 16 studies (2,385 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. All included studies were retrospective studies. Six potential risk factors were pooled, 5 of which were significantly associated with postoperative PVO. Patients with preoperative PVO were more likely to suffer from postoperative PVO [odds ratio (OR)=5.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (2.75, 10.11), P < 0.01]. Compared with a sutureless procedure, the conventional operative procedure was associated with postoperative PVO [OR = 1.80, 95% CI=(1.20, 2.71), P < 0.01]. A mixed type TAPVC plays a critical role in postoperative PVO [OR = 3.78, 95% CI=(1.08, 13.18), P = 0.04]. Inverse variance analysis showed that longer cardiopulmonary bypass time [hazard ratio (HR)=1.01, 95% CI=(1.01, 1.02), P < 0.00001] and aortic cross-clamp time [HR = 1.01, 95% CI=(1.01, 1.02), P < 0.01] were significantly associated with postoperative PVO. Heterotaxy [OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 0.13, 10.45, P = 0.88] was not statistically significant as a risk factor for postoperative PVO.CONCLUSIONSThis meta-analysis may provide a perspective on the risk factors for postoperative PVO after TAPVC, thus leading to more studies predicting postoperative PVO after TAPVC with our findings.

Strategy of delayed repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection in right atrial isomerism and functional single ventricle

ObjectiveRepair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) in neonates with right atrial isomerism and functional single ventricle is challenging. In our novel strategy, primary draining vein stenting (DVS) was applied to patients with preoperative pulmonary vein obstruction to delay TAPVC repair. This study investigated our initial experience with a strategy of delayed TAPVC repair, incorporating DVS. MethodsTwenty-nine patients with right atrial isomerism and functional single ventricle who had a severe obstruction in the course of draining veins, who required surgical or catheter intervention in their neonatal period were retrospectively reviewed (primary DVS: n = 11; primary TAPVC repair: n = 18). ResultsPatients in the primary DVS group had more mixed type TAPVC (primary DVS: n = 5, 45.5%; primary TAPVC repair: n = 2, 11.1%; P = .03) and required more systemic to pulmonary shunt surgeries during their lifetime (primary DVS: n = 9, 81.8%; primary TAPVC repair: n = 6, 33.3%; P = .047). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that primary DVS repair was associated with improved survival compared with primary TAPVC repair (survival rates at 90 days, 1 year, 3 years and 5 years: primary DVS: 100%, 80%, 68.6%, and 54.9%; primary TAPVC repair: 55.6%, 38.9%, 38.9%, and 38.9%, respectively [P = .04]). Of the 4 patients who underwent stenting of the ductus venosus, 3 had elevated liver enzymes after surgical repair of TAPVC due to ductus venosus steal, which markedly improved after coil embolization of the stent. ConclusionsFor neonates with obstructive TAPVC and functional single ventricle, our delayed TAPVC repair using primary DVS appeared to improve survival compared with the conventional strategy.

Review of surgical experience in 61 patients with mixed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

Prior studies have reported a high mortality and incidence of post-repair pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO) in mixed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). This study sought to review the surgical outcomes in this entity. A review of 61 patients undergoing surgical repair of mixed TAPVC was conducted. Patients with a single ventricle were excluded. Patients were subdivided into 3 groups according to Chowdhury's classification. Predictors for death and postoperative PVO were explored by Cox regression model. This study trended towards an older cohort with a median age of 88 days (interquartile range, 56.5-177). Twelve patients belonged to '2 + 2' type, 40 belonged to '3 + 1' type and the remaining 9 belonged to bizarre type. There were no early death and 7 late deaths. Follow-up was available in 96.7% of the patients after discharge with a median duration of 53 months (range, 1-177). Nineteen patients developed post-repair PVO among whom 2 required reintervention. Patients with preoperative PVO had a 4-fold higher risk (95% confidence interval, 1.36-12.38) of postoperative PVO than those without and were more likely to die (P = 0.009). No statistical difference was observed among the 3 subgroups in terms of mortality (P = 0.058) and postoperative PVO (P = 0.186). Preoperative PVO was significantly associated with postoperative PVO. There was no statistical difference in terms of death and postoperative PVO among the 3 subtypes of mixed TAPVC. Mid-term results favoured a complete rechanneling of pulmonary veins in '3 + 1' type.

Mixed type of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: diagnosis, surgical approach and outcomes

PurposeTo summarize the diagnosis and treatment of 13 patients with mixed-type total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) and propose another classification for mixed TAPVC.MethodsA retrospective review of 13 patients with mixed TAPVC undergoing repair at a single institution was conducted between January 2010 and November 2019. The diagnosis of mixed-type TAPVC was made in all patients using echocardiography combined with computed tomography angiography. According to the mixed TAPVC anatomy, there were 3 patients with type I TAPVC (2 + 2 veins), 10 patients with type II TAPVC (3 + 1 veins) and no patients with type III TAPVC. Correspondingly, there was 1 patient with the “SVC + VV” subtype, 2 patients with the “CS + C” subtype, 8 patients with the “CS + VV” subtype, 1 patient with the “CS + SVC” subtype and 1 patient with the “RA + SVC” subtype according to our classification system. All patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.ResultsThe median weight at surgery was 4.6 ± 1.0 kg (3.4–7.3 kg), and the median age at surgery was 96.2 ± 81.2 days (10–242 days). The median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 132.7 ± 25.1 min (range, 100 to 190 min). The cross-clamping time was 69.2 ± 14.4 min (range, 45 to 88 min). The hospital mortality rate was 7.7% (1 of 13), with late mortality occurring in 1 patient because of pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO) 7 months after surgery. The average follow-up after surgery was 3.4 ± 2.2 years (range, 5 months to 8 years). The survival rates at 3 and 5 years were both 90.9% ± 8.7% (95% CI: 73.8–108%). All remaining surviving patients were asymptomatic.ConclusionMixed TAPVC can be repaired with good results in children and can be correctly diagnosed with echocardiography combined with computed tomography angiography. The classification system we propose is pragmatic and can guide the surgical approach.

Postoperative Obstruction of the Pulmonary Veins in Mixed Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare form of congenital heart disease in which the pulmonary veins drain by various pathways to the right atrium instead of the left atrium. Postoperative obstruction of the pulmonary veins is a known complication. Identifying risk factors for morbidity and mortality is important for counseling and monitoring. We describe a pattern of postoperative obstruction in a specific arrangement of mixed TAPVC. Five patients with a type of mixed TAPVC, namely, three pulmonary veins connecting to the coronary sinus and the left upper pulmonary vein (LUPV) connecting to the innominate vein, were identified over an 11-year period at our institution. Two additional patients with this TAPVC arrangement were cared for at our institution after having surgery at other institutions. Of these, one patient received only comfort care at birth due to other clinical issues. The six other patients underwent surgical unroofing of the coronary sinus. The anomalous LUPV was not addressed during the initial surgery in any of these cases. Following repair, one patient died from non-cardiac reasons. The remaining five patients all developed obstruction of the repaired pulmonary veins with decompression through the unrepaired LUPV, requiring surgical revision. Three patients underwent a second reoperation as well. Three of the six repaired patients also developed refractory atrial arrhythmias. This cohort suggests that this mixed TAPVC pattern predisposes patients to obstruction after surgical repair. Further investigation may aid pediatric cardiologists in risk-stratifying and counseling these patients. Alternative surgical approaches may need to be considered.

Long-Term Transplant-Free Survival After Repair of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection

Long-term survival, risk of transplantation, and causes of death after repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) remain unknown. By linking the Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium with the National Death Index and the United Network for Organ Sharing, we evaluated long-term transplant-free survival in children undergoing repair of TAPVC. We identified 777 infants within the Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium who underwent TAPVC repair (median 21 days; interquartile range, 5 to 80) and had sufficient personal identifiers for linkage with the National Death Index and United Network for Organ Sharing. Sixty-six deaths, ten cardiac transplantations, and one bilateral lung transplantation had occurred by the end of 2014. Data collected included age and weight at time of procedure, TAPVC type, associated cardiac lesions, and postoperative length of stay. The study cohort was divided into simple and complex TAPVC based on the presence of an associated cardiac lesion. Parametric survival plots were constructed, and risk factor analyses were performed to identify demographic and clinical characteristics associated with long-term outcomes. Mortality or need for transplantation was 9.7% with a median follow-up of 18.4 years and a median age of death or transplant of 0.74 years. The risk of mortality and transplant after TAPVC repair was highest during the first 18 months after hospital discharge. Cardiac causes accounted for the majority of deaths. Multivariate regression models for transplant-free survival demonstrated that complex TAPVC, mixed TAPVC, and postoperative length of stay were associated with increased risk of death/transplant. Transplant-free survival after TAPVC repair is excellent, with most deaths or transplant events occurring early. Factors associated with the worst long-term outcomes included complex TAPVC, mixed TAPVC, and prolonged postoperative length of stay.

Mixed Type Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection in a Newborn

: Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is referred to a specific condition in which there is no direct connection between any pulmonary veins and the left atrium. In this report, we describe a case of mixed type TAPVC in a newborn. The surgical correction of anomaly was successful. The child had an uneventful post-op recovery and was discharged.

Modified closed chamber sutureless technique for anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

Visibility continues to be a major problem during repair of obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) resulting in frequent use of deep hypothermia and low flow bypass. Sutureless technique for primary repair of anomalous pulmonary venous connection is fast becoming popular. In this described modification of sutureless technique through the lateral approach, the left atrium is marsupialized around the common pulmonary venous chamber, except on the right lateral aspect, providing a bloodless field with minimal retraction of heart facilitating the surgery at mild hypothermia. This technique can be particularly useful in small confluence obstructed TAPVC and in mixed TAPVC.

Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection in Children

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study was to study the anatomical types of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC), the associated cardiac and extracardiac congenital malformations, clinical manifestations, and postoperative evolution. Materials and methods: Twenty-four patients with a mean age of 125 days, admitted to the Clinic of Pediatric Cardiology III between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2015 and diagnosed with TAPVC were included in the study. The patients were evaluated clinically, electrocardiographically and echocardiographically, both pre- and postoperatively. Postoperative evolution was monitored at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Results: The anatomical types of TAPVC were: supracardiac in 50% of cases (12 patients), cardiac in 37.5% (9 patients) and mixed type in 12.5% of cases (3 patients). The first clinical manifestation was cyanosis in 72.2% of cases. Surgical correction was performed at a mean age of 37 days in obstructive forms, and 254 days in non-obstructive forms. From the study lot, 8.4% of patients had associated extracardiac malformations (anorectal agenesis and Ivemark syndrome). Early postoperative complications included pulmonary hypertension crisis (60% of cases), supraventricular arrhythmias (35% of cases) and chylothorax (8.4% of cases). Late postoperative complications included: reintervention in 8% of patients with mixed type TAPVC. Conclusions: The most frequently encountered type was supracardiac TAPVC, which had a favorable postoperative evolution. Mixed type TAPVC had the highest rate of reintervention.

Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection: The Current Management Strategies in a Pediatric Cohort of 768 Patients.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare form of congenital heart disease. This study describes current surgical treatment strategies and experiences in a cohort of patients from 2 congenital cardiac centers in Shanghai and Guangdong in China. This retrospective study included 768 patients operated on between 2005 and 2014. Although most patients (n=690) underwent conventional repair, a sutureless technique was used in 10% (n=78) of cases. A multilevel mixed-effects parametric survival model and a competing-risk analysis were used to analyze associated risk factors for death and recurrent pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO), respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze the overall survival. The Nelson-Aalen cumulative risk curve was used to compare distributions of time with recurrent PVO. The mean surgical age and weight were 214.9±39.2 days and 5.4±3.6 kg, respectively. Obstructed TAPVC (PVO) was documented in 192 (25%) of the 768 patients. There were 38 intraoperative deaths and 13 late deaths. A younger age at the time of repair (P=0.001), mixed (P=0.004) and infracardiac (P=0.035) TAPVC, preoperative PVO (P=0.027), prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (P<0.001), and longer duration of ventilation (P=0.028) were associated with mortality. The median follow-up was 23.2 months (range; 1-112 months). Among the 717 survivors, recurrent PVO was observed in 111 patients (15%). Associated risk factors for recurrent PVO included preoperative PVO (P<0.001), infracardiac TAPVC (P<0.001), mixed TAPVC (P=0.013), and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (P<0.001). Sutureless technique was associated with a lower restenosis rate compared with conventional repair in patients with preoperative PVO (P=0.038), except in newborn patients (P=0.443). Reintervention for restenosis was performed in 24 patients. The function of most survivors (91%) was classified according to the New York Heart Association as functional class I or II. Surgical correction in patients with TAPVC with a biventricular anatomy can achieve an acceptable outcome. Risk factors such as a younger age at the time of repair, infracardiac and mixed TAPVC, and preoperative PVO were associated with a poorer prognosis.

The research on operation of obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection in neonates.

Objectives. Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare congenital heart disease. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of TAPVC repair in neonates, controlling for anatomic subtypes and surgical techniques. Methods. Between 1997 and 2013, 88 patients (median age: 16 days) underwent repair for supracardiac (31), cardiac (18), infracardiac (36), or mixed (3) TAPVC. All the patients underwent emergency operation due to obstructed drainage. Supracardiac and infracardiac TAPVC repair included a side-to-side anastomosis between the pulmonary venous confluence and left atrium. Coronary sinus unroofing was preferred for cardiac TAPVC repair. Results. The early mortality rate was 2.3% (2/88 patients). The echocardiogram showed no obstruction in the pulmonary vein anastomosis, and flow rate was 1.1–1.42 m/s in the 3-year follow-up period. Conclusions. The accurate preoperative diagnosis, improved protection of heart function, use of pulmonary vein tissue to anastomose and avoid damage of the pulmonary vein, and delayed sternum closure can reduce the risk of mortality. The preoperative severity of pulmonary vein obstruction, the timing of the emergency operation, and infracardiac or mixed-type TAPVC can affect prognosis. Using our surgical technique, the TAPVC mortality among our patients was gradually reduced with remarkable results. However, careful monitoring of the patient with pulmonary vein restenosis and the timing and method of reoperation should also be given importance.

Role of plain radiography and CT angiography in the evaluation of obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection

Obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is frequently misdiagnosed as pulmonary disease and without operative correction early death is common. It is important to make a correct diagnosis before surgery. The purpose of this study was to describe the chest radiographic features of obstructed TAPVC and compare CT angiography with transthoracic echocardiography in the evaluation of obstructed TAPVC. Eighteen children with obstructed TAPVC were assessed. Their clinical and imaging data were retrospectively reviewed. The characteristic radiographic findings were analyzed and compared with surgical results, and the diagnostic accuracy of CT angiography and transthoracic echocardiography was evaluated in terms of pulmonary venous drainage and obstruction detection. The common radiographic features included pulmonary venous congestion or edema or both (16 of 18 cases, 89%), and absence of cardiomegaly (12 of 18 cases, 67%). CT angiography correctly diagnosed TAPVC and clearly revealed the draining sites in all children (five with supracardiac TAPVC, three with cardiac TAPVC, eight with infracardiac TAPVC and two with mixed TAPVC). The diagnostic agreement between CT angiography and surgery was 100%. Transthoracic echocardiography only correctly revealed the draining sites in 11 children (5 with supracardiac TAPVC, 2 with cardiac TAPVC and 4 with infracardiac TAPVC). The diagnostic agreement between transthoracic echocardiography and surgery was 61%. The diagnostic accuracy of CT angiography was higher than that of transthoracic echocardiography (P = 0.0156). Thirty-four sites of obstruction were correctly detected by CT angiography (11 in the mediastinum, 1 at the diaphragmatic level, 9 below the diaphragm and 13 stenotic individual pulmonary veins in the lung). The diagnostic agreement between CT angiography and surgery was 92%. Transthoracic echocardiography only correctly detected 15 sites of obstruction (11 in the mediastinum, 1 at the diaphragmatic level and 3 below the diaphragm). The diagnostic agreement between transthoracic echocardiography and surgery was 41%. The rate of detection for sites of obstruction with transthoracic echocardiography was much lower than that of CT angiography (P = 0.0002). In children with obstructed TAPVC, plain radiographs usually show a characteristic pattern of pulmonary venous congestion or edema, or both, and a normal cardiac silhouette. CT angiography is superior to transthoracic echocardiography in the evaluation of pulmonary venous drainage and obstruction, especially in children with infracardiac and mixed TAPVC.

Functional single ventricle with extracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection☆

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the surgical repair of functional single ventricle and extracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). Between January 1998 and December 2007, 26 consecutive patients underwent surgical repair of extracardiac TAPVC. Their characteristics were as follows: median age, 34 (range 0-744) days; median weight 3.2 (range 2.0-9.6) kg; supracardiac TAPVC, 11 patients; infracardiac, 5; mixed, 10; right atrial isomerism, 24; pulmonary atresia, 16; and obstructed TAPVC, 17. Concomitant procedures included systemic-to-pulmonary shunt in 9 patients, pulmonary artery banding in 5, ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunt in 1, Norwood procedure in 1, bidirectional Glenn in 9, and Fontan procedure in 1. The overall survival after the repair of TAPVC was 58% (95% confidence interval [CI], 39-77%) and 54% (95% CI, 34-73%) at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Of the 14 survivors (supracardiac, 9; infracardiac, 4; and mixed, 1), 12 underwent Fontan completion; 1, bidirectional Glenn; and 1 is awaiting bidirectional Glenn. Anastomotic stenosis did not occur, but recurrent pulmonary venous ostial stenosis (PVS) was observed in nine patients. Freedom from recurrent PVS was 56% (95% CI, 34-78%) at both 1 and 5 years. Reoperation for recurrent PVS was performed in six patients; of these patients, two underwent Fontan completion, but three with bilateral and multiple PVS declined. By Cox multivariate regression analysis, mixed TAPVC (p=0.001, hazard ratio, 13.4; 95% CI, 2.8-64.4) was a risk factor for mortality, and atrioventricular valve regurgitation, which required surgical intervention at the palliative stage (p=0.024, hazard ratio, 23.4; 95% CI, 1.5-363.4) was a risk factor for recurrent PVS. The mid-term results of the surgical repair of functional single ventricle with supracardiac or infracardiac TAPVC are acceptable. The surgical treatment of patients with mixed TAPVC and with severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation is not promising, but can be improved.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: long-term appraisal with evolving technical solutions.

To evaluate late outcome of non-isomeric total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) repair, controlling for anatomic subtypes and surgical technique. Between 1983 and 2001, 89 patients (median age 54 days) underwent repair for supracardiac (38), cardiac (26), infracardiac (16) or mixed (nine) TAPVC. Ten patients (11.2%) presented associated anomalies other than PDA. Twenty-eight patients (31.5%) were emergencies, due to obstructed drainage. Supracardiac and infracardiac TAPVC repair included the double-patch technique with left atrial enlargement in 29 patients and side-to-side anastomosis between the pulmonary venous (PV) confluence and the left atrium in 29 patients. Coronary sinus unroofing was preferred for cardiac TAPVC repair. Total follow-up was 727.16 patient-years (mean 8.55 years, 98.8% complete). Early mortality was 7.86% (7/89). Ten patients (11.2%) underwent reintervention, including reoperation (eight), balloon dilation (one) and intraoperative stents placement (one), for anastomotic (four) or diffuse PV stenosis (six), with four late deaths. Kaplan-Meier survival is 87.3+/-0.036 SE% at 18.07 years with no difference according to anatomic type or surgical technique. Freedom from PV reintervention for operative survivors is 86.7+/-0.052 SE% at 18.07 years. Cox proportional hazard indicates associated anomalies (P=0.008) and reoperation for intrinsic PV stenosis (P=0.034) as independent predictors of mortality. According to logistic analysis, preoperative obstruction predicts higher risk of reintervention for intrinsic PV stenosis (P=0.022), while the double-patch technique increased the risk of late arrhythmias (P=0.005). Side-to-side anastomosis provides excellent results for TAPVC repair while left atrial enlargement procedures appear to be associated with higher risk of late arrhythmias. Although early and aggressive reintervention for recurrent PV obstruction is mandatory, intrinsic PV stenosis remains a predictor of adverse outcome.

Echocardiographic diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection

Over a 7-year period, 110 of 35,000 echocardiographic cases were diagnosed to have total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). Ages ranged from 7 days to 38 years (male 62, female, 48). In 60 cases the diagnosis was confirmed by angiography ( n = 47) and/or surgery ( n = 50). In 13 cases angiography was not performed; surgery was performed on the basis of echocardiographic diagnosis. Diagnosis of TAPVC was correctly made in all of the 60 confirmed cases. Drainage sites were correctly identified by echocardiography in 58 (96.7%) of these 60 cases. Of the five cases of mixed TAPVC, the second drainage site was missed by echocardiography in two cases. Of the 110 cases the drainage sites were as follows: supracardiac 70, cardiac 30, infracardiac 5, and mixed variety 5. Seventeen cases had Doppler echocardiographic evidence of obstruction along the course of the anomalous vein. The continuous wave Doppler signal for tricuspid regurgitation was present in 14 of 47 catheterized patients, and catheterization-measured peak pulmonary artery systolic pressure correlated well with that derived by Doppler study ( r = 0.96, p = 0.001). Additionally, 17 patients had other cardiac anomalies that were correctly diagnosed by echocardiography. Combined two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography is accurate in the diagnosis of TAPVC, identification of the site of drainage, presence of obstruction, and assessment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and other associated anomalies.