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Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection—Child

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection—Child

(TAPVC—Child; Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage—Child; TAPVD—Child; Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return—Child; TAPVR—Child)

Definition

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare heart defect.

In a normal heart, the blood flows in from the body to the right atrium. It then goes into the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve. The blood travels to the lungs through the pulmonary valve to pick up fresh oxygen. Next, the blood returns to the left atrium, goes into the left ventricle, and goes out to the rest of the body.

With TAPVC, the pulmonary veins that return oxygen rich blood from the lungs connect to the right side of the heart instead of the left atrium. This leads to the mixing of oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood. The body tissue does not get as much oxygen as it is supposed to. TAPVC can be mild to severe. There can be a range of connection problems. Other heart problems may also be present.

Heart Chambers and Valves.

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Blood Flow Through the Heart.

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Causes

TAPVC is caused by a congenital defect. This means that the problem develops in the womb and a baby is born with it. It is not known exactly why this happens.

Risk Factors

The risk factors for TAPVC are not well known. Things that may play a role are:

  • A family history of heart defects
  • Having other heart defects
  • Environmental exposures

Symptoms

Problems may be:

  • Blue or pale grayish skin color
  • Trouble breathing
  • Poor growth

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the heart. An irregular heart rate may be detected.

Blood tests will be done.

Pictures may be taken of your child's body. This can be done with:

Your child's heart function may be tested. This can be done with:

Treatment

Surgery is needed to correct the defect. The goal of surgery is to reconnect the pulmonary veins to the left atrium.

Lifelong heart monitoring will also be needed.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent TAPVC.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Congenital heart defects. American Heart Association website. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects.
  • Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/total-anomalous-pulmonary-venous-connection.
  • Total anomalous pulmonary venous return. Johns Hopkins University, Cove Point Foundation website. Available at: http://www.pted.org/?id=tapvr1.

Contributors

  • Kari Kuenn, MD
Last Updated:
2022-12-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.