Alternative Names
TAPVR
Definition of Total anomalous pulmonary venous return
Total anomalous pulmonary venous return is a (present at birth) in which none of the four veins that take blood from the lungs to the heart is attached to the left atrium (left upper chamber of the heart).
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The cause of total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) is unknown.
Symptoms
The infant may appear to be critically ill and may display the following symptoms:
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.
Review
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. – 12/21/2009
