A rare congenital heart defect, total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) is caused by a venous issue with a baby’s heart and lungs. Under normal circumstances, the lungs connect to the left side of the heart via blood vessels. With TAPVR, the lungs connect to the right side of the heart instead of the left. As a result, the heart is unable to fully oxygenate the blood that is flowing to the rest of the body.
Doctors are not sure why some babies experience TAPVR. The defect frequently occurs alongside heterotaxy syndrome, which causes organs within the chest and abdomen to be positioned incorrectly. Atrial septal defects, which are holes between the right and left atria, occur in conjunction with TAPVR. Exposure to harmful substances, such as lead and pesticides, is also believed to play a role.
Symptoms of TAPVR typically present immediately following birth, but they can also take several weeks to appear. Symptoms include:
TAPVR is associated with a few complications, and these health effects can occur even after the defect has been addressed. For instance, some children will experience pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, and abnormal heart rhythms. Poor development and delayed milestones may also occur.
Babies with TAPVR almost always require open-heart surgery, and procedures are usually performed soon after the diagnosis. Medication to help with heart function and oxygen therapy and/or ventilation are provided prior to surgery.
After the surgery, babies will require checkups to monitor heart function. These checkups usually occur every six months to a year. Parents are also encouraged to seek emergency medical attention if their child shows signs of poor breathing or is lethargic.