Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection: Forty-Six Years of Follow-Up

BACKGROUND: Surgical repair of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) may disturb the electrical conduction in the atria. This study documents long-term outcomes, including the late occurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia and bradyarrhythmia.

METHODS: This retrospective study covers all PAPVC operations at Aarhus University Hospital between 1970 and 2010. Outcome measures were arrhythmias, sinus node disease, pacemaker implantation, pathway stenosis (pulmonary vein(s), intra-atrial pathway, and/or superior vena cava), and mortality. Data were collected from databases, surgical protocols, and hospital records until May 2018.

RESULTS: A total of 83 patients were included with a postoperative follow-up period up to 46 years. Average age at follow-up was 43 ± 21 years. During follow-up, new-onset atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter appeared in four patients (5%). Sinus node disease was present in nine patients (11%). A permanent pacemaker was implanted in seven patients (8%) at an average of 12.7 years after surgery. Pulmonary venous and/or superior vena cava obstruction was seen in five patients (6%). Stenosis was most prevalent in the two-patch technique, and arrhythmia was most prevalent in the single-patch technique. Sixty-seven (81%) of 83 patients had neither bradyarrhythmias nor tachyarrhythmias or pacemaker need.

CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes important long-term data concerning the course of patients who have undergone repair of PAPVC. It confirms that PAPVC can be operated with low postoperative morbidity. However, late-onset stenosis, bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias, and need for pacemaker call for continued follow-up.