Antenatal diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection in functional single ventricle hearts: Outcomes over 13-year period

Abstract

Introduction A functionally single cardiac ventricle seen on foetal ultrasound scan carries a guarded prognosis. The antenatal diagnosis of anomalous pulmonary venous connection (APVC) remains challenging, if there is no associated structural cardiac abnormality. Antenatally, a combination of complex cardiac anomaly with suspected isomerism should raise the possibility of associated total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). There needs to be a high index of suspicion for TAPVC, in functional single ventricle and suspected isomerism, as this carries a very grim outcome postnatally. We illustrate foetal echocardiographic findings of suspected TAPVC and review outcomes of antenatal versus postnatal diagnosis of TAPVC with functional single ventricle. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our database over 13 years, focusing on foetal cardiac diagnosis, pregnancy outcomes, management and outcomes of livebirths with diagnosis of TAPVC with functional single ventricle. Results Thirteen patients were included in the review. For the nine antenatal patients, three pregnancies were terminated and six babies were born alive (four babies had compassionate care, two babies had cardiac surgery). One baby is alive at 8.5 years, after Fontan surgery. For the four postnatal patients, three babies had compassionate care (one alive at age 8.1 years) and one baby had cardiac surgery (died age nine weeks). Ten of the 13 patients have right atrial isomerism. Of these 10 patients, only two are alive. For the three non-isomeric babies, only one baby is still alive. There is heterogeneity of the type of TAPVC diagnosed with no particular group that offered better survival. Conclusion Antenatal diagnosis of TAPVC, even in the context of functional single ventricle remains challenging. If isomerism is suspected, targeted evaluation of pulmonary venous connection should be done. This combination of cardiac lesion carries a very grim outcome. The ability to make this diagnosis antenatally will add to the information and counselling given to these parents.