Cardiac anomalies restricting blood flow to the left atrium

This article continues the series describing the presentation and treatment of congenital cardiac disease in the neonatal period. Cardiac anomalies that restrict the return of blood to the left atrium are reviewed. These include total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (with emphasis on TAPVC with obstruction), mitral atresia and mitral stenosis, and pulmonary vein obstruction. Incidence, embryology, pathophysiology and hemodynamics, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and medical and nursing management, as well as surgical repair and prognosis, are discussed for each of these defects. Parental support and teaching related to all forms of congenital cardiac disease are also addressed.