Aortopulmonary window

The aortopulmonary (AP) window is a very rare congenital heart defect in which there is an open connection between the main artery (aorta) and the pulmonary artery (pulmonary artery). Due to the high blood pressure in the aorta, too much blood is pumped into the lungs. Pulmonary hypertension develops. Signs of cardiac insufficiency, such as feeding difficulties and failure to thrive, can therefore occur as early as infancy.

Depending on the size of the defect, children are usually diagnosed in the first weeks to months of life with signs of heart failure such as

• Increased respiratory rate (tachypnoea),
• drinking difficulties,
• failure to thrive and
• frequent pulmonary infection

are conspicuous. The symptoms are similar to those of a persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA) but usually occur earlier.

The diagnosis is made with an ultrasound examination of the heart. Sometimes a cardiac catheterisation is also carried out.

• Echocardiography
• Cardiac catheterisation

An AP window is usually closed surgically. The prognosis is very good.

Recommendation for further treatment

Antibiotic prophylaxis or anticoagulation is not necessary after correction.