Relapse of aortopulmonary window 41 years after patch closure

Abstract

In this study, we describe a rare case of a 45-year-old man with a recurrence of aortopulmonary window (APW) 41 years after the initial patch closure for an APW at the age of 4. He presented with persistent cough and exertional dyspnoea. Imagings revealed a recurrence of APW, ascending aorta saccular aneurysm, and severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. Re-patch closure, ascending aortic replacement, and mitral and tricuspid annuloplasties were performed, followed by an uneventful postoperative course. The relapse of APW in the remote postoperative period is extremely rare.

Keywords: Aortopulmonary window; Patch closure; Recurrence.