Aortopulmonary window

Aortopulmonary window
Other namesAortopulmonary septal defect
A chest X-ray showing an Aortopulmonary window.
SpecialtyMedical genetics 
SymptomsTachypnea, poor eating, left-to-right shunt, and diaphoresis.
ComplicationsHeart murmurs, eisenmenger syndrome, and heart failure.
Usual onsetBirth
Diagnostic methodPhysical examination findings, ECG, and imaging.
Differential diagnosisTruncus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, and patent ductus arteriosus.
TreatmentHeart surgery.
Prognosis40% chance of death within the first year if left untreated.
Frequency0.15-0.6% of all congenital heart malformations.

Aortopulmonary window (APW) is a faulty connection between the aorta and the main pulmonary artery that results in a significant left-to-right shunt. The aortopulmonary window is the rarest of septal defects, accounting for 0.15-0.6% of all congenital heart malformations. An aortopulmonary window can develop alone or in up to 50% of cases alongside other cardiac defects such as interrupted aortic arch, coarctation of the aorta, transposition of great vessels, and tetralogy of Fallot.

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