Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection differential diagnosis


 * Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [mailto:psingh@perfuse.org], Keri Shafer, M.D. [mailto:kshafer@bidmc.harvard.edu]; Assistant  Editor(s)-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. [mailto:kfeeney@perfuse.org]

Overview
During diagnostic evaluation, it is important to recognize that signs and symptoms of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection can be similar to other congenital heart diseases.

Differentiation of PAPVC from Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC)
PAPVC is present in approximately 10% of patients with an ASD. Depending upon the hemodynamics and magnitude and direction of shunting, an ASD may either improve or exacerbate the shunting associated with a PAPVC. These two defects have a common embryologic origin. However, in contrast to PAPVC, in TAPVC all pulmonary venous return is to the right atrium.