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Published on: October 11, 2024
Aortopulmonary window. Experience of eleven cases
Isabel Freitas1, Filipa Paramés, Mónica Rebelo
1Serviço de Cardiologia Pediátrica, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central-Hospital de Santa Marta, Lisboa, Portugal.
Summary
Aortopulmonary (AP) window, a rare congenital heart defect, can be effectively treated with surgical intervention, leading to excellent long-term outcomes for patients. Advances in diagnosis and surgery improve results for this uncommon cardiac anomaly.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Aortopulmonary (AP) window is a rare congenital heart defect, comprising 0.1%–0.2% of all such conditions.
- It involves a communication between the ascending aorta and the main pulmonary artery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical characteristics, surgical management, and outcomes of patients with AP window.
- Study conducted over 30 years at a tertiary pediatric cardiac center.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 11 patients diagnosed with AP window.
- Diagnosis confirmed via echocardiography in recent cases.
- Surgical closure through transaortic approach or ligation; associated anomalies were also addressed.
Main Results:
- Ten patients had proximal AP window, one had distal.
- Operative mortality was 10% (1/10); no late deaths.
- All nine surviving operated patients are asymptomatic with no residual defects or pulmonary hypertension after a mean follow-up of 10 years.
Conclusions:
- Surgical closure of AP window yields favorable long-term results.
- Advances in diagnostic and surgical techniques facilitate earlier intervention and improved outcomes.
- Early intervention is crucial for managing this rare congenital heart defect.
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