Regression of severe pulmonary arteriovenous malformations after Fontan revision and Hepatic factor rerouting

Although previously described in patients undergoing staged palliation for univentricular heart disease, the mechanism by which hepatic venous flow prevents development of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations is still not completely understood. We present a case in which successful H-type Fontan revision with rerouting of hepatic venous flow through a hemiazygous vein successfully reversed the progression of severe left pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. (C) 2004 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.