Development of acquired intrapulmonary venous anastomosis contributing to establishment of Fontan circulation

Abstract

Pulmonary venous (PV) obstruction is associated with a poor prognosis, as well as a high risk of recurrence, following surgical treatment. It can also interfere with the successful completion of Fontan circulation in patients with complex congenital heart disease. A case of a patient who had right isomerism (also known as asplenia syndrome), total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC), and a single right ventricle is presented. Although bilateral total occlusion of the inferior PVs was identified postoperatively, the formation of the anastomosis and collateral vessels into the superior and middle PVs enabled successful completion of Fontan circulation. Anastomoses and collateral flow of the PVs were found largely in the interlobar pleura and not in the lung parenchyma.