TAPVC
Pronunciation: TAP-vick
Also written as: TAPVC — Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection
Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, a congenital heart defect where pulmonary veins connect abnormally to the systemic venous circulation.
Full Definition
Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a cyanotic congenital heart disease where all four pulmonary veins connect abnormally to the systemic venous circulation rather than directly to the left atrium. This results in complete mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in the right atrium. Four anatomical subtypes exist based on the connection site: supracardiac (to superior vena cava or innominate vein), cardiac (to coronary sinus or right atrium), infracardiac (to portal or hepatic veins), and mixed. The degree of obstruction at the connection site determines the clinical presentation, ranging from severe cyanosis and heart failure in obstructed forms to milder symptoms in unobstructed cases. Imaging with echocardiography and CT/MRI is essential for anatomical definition before surgical repair.
Usage
Usage note: Written in capital letters. Specify anatomical type (supracardiac, cardiac, infracardiac, mixed) and presence of obstruction.
In Context
- "CT angiography demonstrates supracardiac TAPVC with connection to the innominate vein." — Cardiac imaging report
- "Obstructed infracardiac TAPVC requires emergency surgical intervention." — Cardiac surgery consultation