Aortopulmonary window

What problems does an aortopulmonary window cause?

In a normal functioning heart, blood flows through the pulmonary artery into the lungs, where it picks up oxygen. Then the blood travels back to the heart and the aorta pumps it to the rest of the body.

A baby with an aortopulmonary window has a hole in between her aorta and pulmonary artery. Because of this hole, blood from the aorta rushes into the pulmonary artery and too much blood flows through the lungs.

This can cause high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) and heart failure.

Who is at risk for getting an aortopulmonary window?

The condition is very rare. It accounts for only .1 percent of all congenital heart defects.

What are the symptoms of aortopulmonary window?

Babies with an aortopulmonary window generally don’t feed well, are irritable and tire easily. Other symptoms include:

• delayed growth
• rapid breathing
• rapid heartbeat
• respiratory infections