Total anomalous pulmonary venous return

Alternative Names

TAPVR

Symptoms

The infant may appear to be critically ill and may display the following symptoms:

• Lethargy
• Poor feeding
• Rapid breathing
• Poor growth
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Cyanosis (blue discoloration of the skin)

Note: Sometimes, no symptoms may be present in infancy or early childhood.

Exams and Tests

• ECG shows signs of enlargement of the ventricles (ventricular hypertrophy).
• X-ray of the chest shows a normal to small heart with fluid in the lungs.
• Echocardiogram usually defines the attachment of pulmonary vessels.
• Cardiac catheterization can provide definitive diagnosis by showing abnormal attachments of the blood vessels.
• MRI of the heart.

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.