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Condition

Pediatric Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR)

What You Need to Know

Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) is a congenital (present at birth) heart defect. Due to abnormal development of the prenatal heart during the first eight weeks of pregnancy, the vessels that bring oxygen-rich (red) blood back to the heart from the lungs are improperly connected.

Key Symptoms

The most common symptoms of TAPVR are:

  • Blue coloring of the skin, lips and nail beds
  • Rapid and/or labored breathing
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Cool, clammy skin

Diagnosis

Doctors typically diagnose TAPVR by: 

  • Physical examination
  • Chest X-ray
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
  • Echocardiogram (echo)
  • Cardiac catheterization

Treatment

Treatment may include:

  • Medical management
  • Interventional cardiac catheterization 
  • Surgery 

Schedule an Appointment

Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs. Meet the providers and schedule an appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prevention and Risk Assessment

What causes total anomalous pulmonary venous return in children?

Why is TAPVR a concern for children?

Diagnosis

What are the symptoms of total anomalous pulmonary venous return in children?

How is transposition of the great arteries diagnosed in children?

Treatment

What is the treatment for TAPVR in children?

What should I expect for my child's post-operative care?

How can I care for my child at home following a TAPVR surgical repair?

What is the long-term outlook after TAPVR surgical repair in children?

Meet the Providers Who Treat Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR)

Departments that Treat Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR)

    Provider with cardiac patient

    Cardiac Imaging

    We have expertise in the full spectrum of cardiac imaging, including transesophageal, prenatal, 3-D, intracardiac, and stress echocardiography and cardiac MRI.