Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return

Total anomalous pulmonary venous return refers to a condition in which the pulmonary veins of the heart all drain into the right atrium instead of the left atrium. This causes the right side of the heart to work extra hard. Symptoms of the condition include blue discoloration of the skin, nails and lips; rapid breathing and heart murmur. Treatment is via immediate open heart surgery.