Aortopulmonary Window

Abstract

Aortopulmonary window (APW) is a rare, surgically correctable congenital cardiac anomaly representing 0.2-0.3% of all congenital cardiac lesions. Echocardiography is generally diagnostic and has replaced angiography as the gold standard. Patients typically present with symptoms of congestive heart failure (tachypnea, diaphoresis, failure to thrive, or recurrent respiratory infections). Operative treatment is indicated as soon as the diagnosis is established, regardless of the patient’s age. Johansson sandwich technique is the most practiced technique for the closure of simple APW. Unless there is a right-to-left shunt despite oxygen administration, no patients with APW should be denied the operation. Elective repair is advised before age 3 months. Long-term outcome after operative correction is excellent regardless of age or pulmonary vascular resistance.