European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Vol 10, 1141-1143, Copyright © 1996 by European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the portal and splenic vein associated with unilateral hypoplasia of pulmonary veins
T Carrel, M Wyttenbach, J Triller and P Schupbach
Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland.
Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) represents a rare
congenital anomaly with wide anatomical and physiological variability. We
report a case of a newborn with a challenging form of obstructed
infracardiac TAPVR, in whom left and right pulmonary veins drained
separately into the portal system. The right pulmonary venous sinus
connected to the left branch of the portal vein, whereas the left venous
sinus connected to the splenic vein. Surgical repair consisted of the
creation of a common retrocardiac venous trunk which was anastomosed to the
left atrium. The postoperative course was characterized by persisting
congestion of the right lung. Two months later, right pulmonary vein
hypoplasia was successfully enlarged with autologous pericardium.