Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: surgical correction in a 66-year-old man

A cyanotic, debilitated 66-year-old man was referred as an emergency because of embolic arterial occlusion of the left lower extremity. Subsequent investigation revealed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. Complete surgical correction was accomplished. Despite a difficult postoperative hospital course, more than 3 years after operation he continues to experience improved quality of life with better exercise tolerance, freedom from further emboli and symptomatic arrhythmias, and no need for his previously routine phlebotomies.