Persistent Cyanosis Revealing Supracardiac Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return in an Infant: A Case Report
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Total anomalous pulmonary venous return is a rare congenital cardiac malformation and the supracardiac form is the most common subtype. The clinical appearance depends on the presence or absence of venous obstruction, which is a major prognostic factor. We report the case of a 2-month-old infant with persistent cyanosis from birth. On clinical examination, the patient had generalized cyanosis with a peripheral oxygen saturation of 60% on room air. Pulmonary hypertension, dilatation of the right ventricular chambers, and an atrial septal defect with a right-to-left shunt were all shown by transthoracic echocardiography. Thoracic computed tomography angiography confirmed supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous return with drainage of the pulmonary venous confluence via a vertical vein into the left brachiocephalic vein associated with hypoplasia of the left cardiac chambers. After the patient was stabilized, surgical intervention was recommended. This case illustrates the diagnostic value of a multimodal imaging approach, where echocardiography and CT angiography work synergistically to define the precise anatomy of supracardiac TAPVR and guide surgical referral. The unfortunate evolution in the postoperative period highlights the still present issue of late presentation and hemodynamic deterioration. It reminds us that the success of a surgical procedure relies not only on technical expertise but also on timely diagnosis and intervention.
Source: Open Journal of Pediatrics
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7208721873