Clinical deterioration following arterial switch surgery due to extensive aortopulmonary collaterals, unusual condition but worth considering: case report

Background The occurrence of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) is infrequent in patients with D-transposition of great arteries (D-TGA) with intact ventricular septum (IVS). Hemodynamically significant MAPCAs may complicate the postoperative course of these patients after arterial switch operation (ASO). Case presentation We present a rare case of neonatal D-TGA-IVS associated with extensive MAPCAs. After the ASO, the patient developed pulmonary hemorrhage, chest wall edema, and deterioration of lung compliance with the need for high-frequency ventilation (HFV). The patient also had a significant capillary leak with skin edema, high chest tube drainage, and high peritoneal drainage. Cardiac catheterization revealed extensive MAPCAs supplying the whole lung segments. After the catheter closure of most of these MAPCAs, the patient had clinical improvement. Conclusions Although the occurrence of MAPCAs with D-TGA-IVS is infrequent, clinicians should suspect their presence in cases with unexplained heart failure, pulmonary hemorrhage, or cardiovascular compromise after ASO. Catheter closure of MAPCAs is feasible with an acceptable short-term outcome.