children s health issues
Aortopulmonary Window
Introduction
Aortopulmonary window is an abnormal connection between the aorta and the main pulmonary artery. Symptoms are those of a Shunting of blood flow , which include signs of heart failure, such as rapid breathing, poor feeding, and sweating. Diagnosis is by physical examination findings, electrocardiography (ECG), and imaging of the heart. Treatment is with surgical repair. (See also Overview of Heart Defects .) Aortopulmonary window is an abnormal opening between the aorta and the main pulmonary artery, which allows blood from the aorta to flow directly into the lungs. The defect results when the single, large blood vessel that exits the heart during fetal development fails to separate completely into the pulmonary artery and the aorta. This abnormality is very rare. Aortopulmonary window can occur on its own or occur with other heart defects, such as Atrial and Ventricular Septal Defects , In children with aortopulmonary window, blood flows quickly and forcefully into the lungs, leading to high blood pressure in the lungs ( Pulmonary Hypertension ) and heart failure. Eventually, if the defect is not repaired, 