A 30-year experience with mixed-type total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: a word of caution

Factors associated with early postoperative mortality after total anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair: A retrospective cohort study

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare congenital defect where pulmonary venous plexus fails to connect with the left atrium (LA). Surgical repair is the primary treatment for TAPVC, but factors influencing outcomes are not fully understood. This study investigates the early outcomes of surgical repair for TAPVC and associated factors. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on TAPVC patients who underwent surgical repair between 2012 and 2022. Data were collected from medical records and supplemented with phone call validation. Demographic characteristics, surgical data, diagnostic tests, and outcomes were analyzed. Statistical analysis included chi-square, t-tests, and multivariate logistic regression using SPSS. A total of 88 patients underwent surgical repair for TAPVC, resulting in a mortality rate of 21.6%. Weight and bypass time were significantly associated with patient survival. Female patients had a higher likelihood of death. The anatomic type did not significantly influence mortality. Patients with pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO) experienced a higher mortality rate. Notably, ligation of the vertical vein in supracardiac and infracardiac types was associated with lower mortality. In conclusion, our study identifies several key factors contributing to higher mortality rates following TAPVC surgery, including low weight, female gender, prolonged bypass time, and preoperative vein obstruction. Highlighting the significance of surgical technique, particularly the sutureless approach, we advocate for its meticulous consideration to achieve improved outcomes. Furthermore, our findings indicate a potential decrease in mortality associated with vertical vein ligation, which may mitigate the risk of post-repair heart failure. We suggest further rigorous studies to gain comprehensive insights into TAPVC surgical interventions.

Computed tomography of pulmonary veins: review of congenital and acquired pathologies

Newer-generation CT scanners with ultrawide detectors or dual sources offer millisecond image acquisition times and significantly decreased radiation doses compared to historical cardiac CT and CT angiography. This technology is capable of nearly freezing cardiac and respiratory motion. As a result, CT is increasingly used for diagnosing and monitoring cardiac and vascular abnormalities in the pediatric population. CT is particularly useful in the setting of pulmonary vein evaluation because it offers evaluation of the entire pulmonary venous system and lung parenchyma. In this article we review a spectrum of congenital and acquired pulmonary venous abnormalities, including potential etiologies, CT imaging findings and important factors of preoperative planning. In addition, we discuss optimization of CT techniques for evaluating the pulmonary veins.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous return with mixed drainage and double connection: a rare case report not previously described

Background

Total anomalous pulmonary venous return is a rare cyanotic congenital heart disease in which pulmonary veins connect to the systemic veins, right atrium, or coronary sinus. Given its variability, it is essential to define the pathway and drainage site.

Case summary

We describe a 3-day-old patient with total anomalous pulmonary venous return, in which the four pulmonary veins drained into a common vertical vein that had a double connection at the cardiac (coronary sinus) and infracardiac (portal vein) levels. The echocardiographic diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography scan. At 1.5 months, she underwent surgery by anastomosis of the venous collector with the left atrium, unroof of the coronary sinus, and clousure of its communication with right atrium. The vertical vein was ligated. There were no complications after 1 year of follow-up.

Discussion

This is an unusual anatomy that has not been described in the literature. In this article, we discuss the embryological origin. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of an accurate diagnosis of the venous pathway and its impact on surgical planning and patient prognosis.

The Clinical Characteristics of 88 Patients with Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection and Risk Factors Associated with Early Postoperative Death

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the outcomes and risk factors of early postoperative death (within 30 days after surgery) in a single-center after repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC).

METHODS

The clinical data of 88 children who had been diagnosed with TAPVC and underwent radical operation in the Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University (China) from January 2015 to July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were divided into the survival group (n = 81) and the death group (n = 7) for the analysis of preoperative and postoperative clinical data. The variables associated with early postoperative death were statistically analyzed to obtain the risk factors for early postoperative death of TAPVC.

RESULTS

Of the 88 patients included in this study, 7 (7.95%) patients died early, including 4 supracardiac and 3 infracardiac cases. Recurrent pulmonary vein obstruction occurred in 2 patients after discharged from hospital, and both were intracardiac TAPVC. Delayed death occurred in 2 children, both of which were intracardiac TAPVC cases. According to univariate analysis, the risk factors statistically significantly associated with the early postoperative death included infracardiac type (P = 0.08), preoperative maximum pulmonary vein flow velocity (P = 0.031), preoperative mechanical ventilation (P = 0.043), preoperative maximum pulmonary artery pressure (P = 0.000), intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass time (P = 0.003) and intraoperative aortic cross-clamp time (P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

Infracardiac type of TAPVC, preoperative maximum pulmonary vein flow velocity, preoperative mechanical ventilation, preoperative maximum pulmonary artery pressure, intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamp time are the risk factors for early postoperative death.

Sutureless Closure Versus Conventional Technique in the Primary Surgery of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Sutureless closure has been used for primary repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) for over 20 years but its superiority over conventional technique is still uncertain. This systematic review was conducted to compare the effectiveness of sutureless closure and conventional surgery as the primary repair for TAPVC. Systematic search was performed in June 2021 on 12 databases. All studies comparing sutureless and conventional surgery for TAPVC were included. The primary endpoints were early mortality, overall mortality, postoperative pulmonary venous stenosis (PVS), and reoperation. Meta-analysis of two-arm studies was performed with several sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Six retrospective studies with 767 patients were included in meta-analyses. Sutureless closure significantly reduced the risk of early mortality, overall mortality, postoperative PVS, and reoperation by 53%, 45%, 77%, and 67% compared to conventional technique, respectively. No heterogeneity was found and presence of publication bias was non-significant. The results were consistent in all sensitivity analyses. Subgroup analyses revealed that sutureless closure was superior to conventional technique in patients with and without preoperative pulmonary venous obstruction, and neonates and non-neonates. Sutureless closure is better than conventional closure as the primary surgery for TAPVC patients. We advocate using sutureless closure for patients with TAPVC. Future large-scale observational studies or clinical trials are required to confirm our findings.

"Dual Drainage" in the mixed variety of totally anomalous pulmonary venous connection

We report a case of 6-week-old boy with a mixed variety of totally anomalous pulmonary venous connection where the common channel had a dual drainage into the coronary sinus and left brachiocephalic vein respectively. The case also highlights the role of preoperative computed tomography angiography in demonstrating the exact pulmonary venous anatomy, course and identifying obstruction, when present.

Mixed type total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: Early results and midterm outcomes of surgical correction

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

The morphological heterogeneity of anomalous pulmonary venous drainage in mixed type total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) has important implications in preoperative diagnosis and surgical repair resulting in high mortality in these patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 14 patients with mixed type TAPVC undergoing biventricular repair between January 2012 and December 2019 was conducted. A descriptive analysis was done, highlighting the anatomic variation, diagnostic and surgical approach, and surgical outcomes in these patients.

RESULTS

The most common anatomic pattern was "3 by 1" (79%) followed by "2 by 2" (21%). The correct diagnosis by transthoracic echocardiography was made in 10 (71%) of the 14 patients. In contrast, preoperative computed tomographic (CT) angiography was performed in 10 patients and correct diagnosis was obtained in 8 (80%) of them. Pulmonary venous obstruction was seen in one patient before surgery. The in-hospital mortality was 14% (2/14). Four patients had pulmonary hypertensive crisis in the postoperative period. The average follow-up was 54 ± 27 months (range: 17-98 months) after surgical repair, and all surviving patients were asymptomatic. There was no late death. No clinically apparent sequelae were seen in six patients in whom isolated left superior pulmonary vein drainage was left uncorrected.

CONCLUSION

An accurate diagnosis of anatomic pattern in mixed type TAPVC can be difficult to establish in all the patients before surgery. Detailed intraoperative assessment, individualized surgical approach, and aggressive perioperative management may reduce surgical mortality. Operative survivors have good midterm outcome.

Mixed type of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: diagnosis, surgical approach and outcomes

Purpose

To summarize the diagnosis and treatment of 13 patients with mixed-type total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) and propose another classification for mixed TAPVC.

Methods

A retrospective review of 13 patients with mixed TAPVC undergoing repair at a single institution was conducted between January 2010 and November 2019. The diagnosis of mixed-type TAPVC was made in all patients using echocardiography combined with computed tomography angiography. According to the mixed TAPVC anatomy, there were 3 patients with type I TAPVC (2 + 2 veins), 10 patients with type II TAPVC (3 + 1 veins) and no patients with type III TAPVC. Correspondingly, there was 1 patient with the “SVC + VV” subtype, 2 patients with the “CS + C” subtype, 8 patients with the “CS + VV” subtype, 1 patient with the “CS + SVC” subtype and 1 patient with the “RA + SVC” subtype according to our classification system. All patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

Results

The median weight at surgery was 4.6 ± 1.0 kg (3.4–7.3 kg), and the median age at surgery was 96.2 ± 81.2 days (10–242 days). The median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 132.7 ± 25.1 min (range, 100 to 190 min). The cross-clamping time was 69.2 ± 14.4 min (range, 45 to 88 min). The hospital mortality rate was 7.7% (1 of 13), with late mortality occurring in 1 patient because of pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO) 7 months after surgery. The average follow-up after surgery was 3.4 ± 2.2 years (range, 5 months to 8 years). The survival rates at 3 and 5 years were both 90.9% ± 8.7% (95% CI: 73.8–108%). All remaining surviving patients were asymptomatic.

Conclusion

Mixed TAPVC can be repaired with good results in children and can be correctly diagnosed with echocardiography combined with computed tomography angiography. The classification system we propose is pragmatic and can guide the surgical approach.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage repair: the effect of anatomical type and pulmonary vein stenosis on outcomes

Background

Surgical repair of total anomalous venous drainage (TAPVD) is lifesaving. The operative mortality is reported between 4 and 35%. Anatomical type, obstructed presentation, associated single ventricle, and heterotaxy syndromes are thought to influence short- and long-term outcomes. The effect of simple versus sutureless repair for primary surgery is unclear. This study reports the outcomes of the surgical repair and the effect of these variables in a contemporary setting.

Results

Between 2011 and 2019, all patients undergoing surgical repair for TAPVD were included. Operative mortality, length of hospital stay, and long-term survival were reported. The effect of anatomical type, surgical technique, obstruction, and associated lesions was assessed. Pearson’s test, Wilcoxson’s test, and generalized linear regression with Poisson distribution were used.

Forty-nine patients from two centers underwent TAPVD repair. The operative mortality was 4%. Postoperative pulmonary vein stenosis occurred in three patients, and reoperation was done in one patient. Survival free from reoperation was 98%, 98%, and 90% at 1, 24, and 60 months in the absence of pulmonary vein stenosis. However, all three patients who developed pulmonary vein stenosis died, at 0.5, 2.7, and 6.3 months of follow-up, respectively. We were unable to detect a significant effect of anatomical type, preoperative obstruction, associated single ventricle, or heterodoxy syndrome on operative mortality or long-term freedom from death or reoperation. Patients who presented with obstruction and infracardiac or supracardiac TAPVD had longer hospital stay.

Conclusion

TAPVD repair outcomes are excellent except for patients who develop postoperative pulmonary venous stenosis. Anatomical type, obstructed presentation, associated single ventricle, or heterotaxy are not significant predictors of survival.

Is Sutureless Technique Beneficial in the Primary Repair of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

A meta-analysis was performed for a comparison of outcomes between sutureless technique and conventional surgery for primary repair for total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). Electronic databases including PubMed, EMbase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched systematically for the single-arm studies regarding sutureless repair or conventional surgery, and two-arm studies compared the outcomes of sutureless repair and conventional surgery for TAPVC. Corresponding data were extracted and the methodological quality was assessed by two reviewers independently. 26 studies were included, involving a total of 2702 patients. It was observed that compared with conventional surgery, sutureless technique was associated with a lower occurrence rate of post-operative pulmonary veins obstruction (PVO) (4.6% vs. 13.5%, OR 0.54 in favor of sutureless technique) and re-operations due to PVO (3.4% vs. 12.4%, 0.25 in favor of sutureless technique). However, meta-analyses of post-operative early (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.27-1.19; P = 0.13), late (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.13-1.06; P = 0.13), and overall (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.36-1.03; P = 0.07) mortality showed no significant difference between sutureless technique and conventional surgery. Compared with conventional surgery, sutureless technique was associated with a lower occurrence rate of post-operative PVO and re-operations due to PVO. Meanwhile, post-operative early, late, and overall mortality were not statistically different between two surgical approaches. Sutureless technique is beneficial in the primary repair of TAPVC regarding post-operative PVO and re-operations due to PVO. However, the level of evidence was low and randomized controlled trials should be designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of sutureless technique for TAPVC.

Two-stage correction of type IV total anomalous pulmonary venous connection

Background

The small size of the pulmonary veins in infants increases the risk of pulmonary vein obstruction (PVO) after surgical repair of type IV total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). Here, we described the outcomes of our strategy, which delayed total correction after initial partial correction.

Methods

We reviewed the data of patients who underwent total correction for type IV TAPVC. In total, 11 out of 103 patients with TAPVC had type IV TAPVC with biventricular physiology. Of these 11 patients, we retrospectively reviewed the data of 7 patients who underwent two-stage correction. Major pulmonary venous confluent chambers, with the exception of the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV), were initially anastomosed to the left atrium (LA), followed by anastomosis between the LSPV and the LA auricle.

Results

The median weight, age, and LSPV size were 4.3 kg (range, 3.5–5.4 kg), 40 days (range, 20–103 days), and 4.5 mm (range, 3.0–5.4 mm), respectively, during the first operation and 12.2 kg (range, 8.5–31.5 kg), 1,165 days (range, 280–3,250 days), and 9.8 mm (range, 8.0–12.3 mm), respectively, during the second operation. The median Qp/Qs was 1.61 (range, 1.22–1.65) and the median cardiothoracic ratio was 0.52 (range, 0.49–0.57) at second operation. The median interval between the operations was 1,094 days (range, 196–3,226 days). The median follow-up period was 22 month (range, 7–59 month). No mortality or major morbidities occurred after either operation. The median V_max at the LSPV anastomosis site was 1.0 m/s (range, 0.8–1.3 m/s) on predischarge echocardiography. This patency was maintained at the last follow-up, showing an identical median V_max of 1.0 m/s (range, 0.8–1.3 m/s). All 7 patients who underwent two-stage correction were in good condition, without any clinical symptoms of PVO.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that leaving the isolated LSPV uncorrected during infancy and performing a second operation when the LSPV has grown adequately is a viable treatment option for patients with type IV TAPVC.

Prenatal diagnoses of an uncommon isolated obstructed supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: Case report and review of the literature (CARE compliant)

INTRODUCTION

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection is an uncommon congenital heart disease. Four types are described based on the site of pulmonary venous drainage: supracardiac, cardiac, infradiaphragmathic, and mixed connection. In most cases of supracardiac type, the common venous confluence drains through an ascending left vertical vein into the brachiocephalic vein, right superior vena cava, and then into the right atrium. Anomalous connection of the pulmonary venous confluence directly to the right SVC, especially the obstructed form is an unusual and severe supracardiac variant. The prenatal diagnosis is challenging.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We present a case report of a fetus diagnosed with TAPVC at 23 gestational weeks.

DIAGNOSIS INTERVENTIONS

The 4-chamber view showed a small left atrium, with a "smooth" posterior wall and the absence of pulmonary vein connection. This is the first case of prenatally diagnosed isolated, obstructed supracardiac type with drainage directly into the right superior vena cava.

CONCLUSION

The obstetrician and fetal cardiologist should be cautious at the direct and indirect echocardiographic signs of this condition. A prenatal diagnose of isolated, obstructed form is important for adequate planning of delivery and postnatal surgery in a tertiary center.