MAPCA
Also written as: MAPCA — Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries
Major aortopulmonary collateral arteries that develop abnormally to supply blood to the lungs in certain congenital heart defects.
Full Definition
Major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) are abnormal blood vessels that arise from the aorta or its branches and connect to the pulmonary circulation. These collateral vessels develop as the body's attempt to provide adequate blood flow to the lungs when normal pulmonary arteries are underdeveloped or absent. MAPCAs are commonly seen in complex congenital heart diseases such as pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect. Surgical management often involves unifocalization procedures to create a more normal pulmonary circulation pattern.
Usage
Usage note: Always use the acronym MAPCA rather than spelling out the full term in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient with pulmonary atresia demonstrated multiple MAPCAs supplying different lung segments." — surgical report
- "Cardiac catheterization revealed stenotic MAPCAs requiring intervention before Fontan completion." — catheterization report