Transesophageal Echocardiography in a Distal Aortopulmonary Window

Aortopulmonary window (APW) is a relatively rare cardiac lesion representing approximately 0.2%-0.4% of all cardiac malformation. It is a cardiac abnormality that results from abnormal communication between the proximal aorta and the main pulmonary artery in the presence of two normally separated aortic and pulmonary valves. In the past, the diagnostic and surgical approach to APW was almost always preceded by cardiac catheterization. With recent advances in noninvasive approach and techniques of two-dimensional echocardiography diagnosis of the defect and associated anomalies are facilitated without a cath study. We report a 4-month-old infant with a distal APW who was referred to our center for surgical repair. We emphasize the usage of transesophageal echocardiography as a valuable intraoperative tool which not only confirms the preoperative diagnosis but also helps in assessing the surgical repair of an APW.