ALCAPA

What tests are done to confirm ALCAPA?

If a doctor thinks your child has ALCAPA, he may order tests such as:

• chest x-ray
• electrocardiogram
• echocardiogram
• cardiac MRI
• cardiac catheterization

At Children’s Hospital Boston, the Catheterization Program is one of the largest and most experienced in the country, and performs more than 1,600 cardiac catheterizations each year.

Children’s is also a leader in advanced cardiac imaging. The Division of Non-Invasive Cardiac Imaging at Children’s is staffed by more than 20 pediatric cardiologists who specialize in echocardiography and cardiac MRI.

How is ALCAPA treated?

To correct a congenital heart defect, your child needs surgery as soon as possible. The goal of surgery is to connect the anomalous left coronary artery with the aorta. If the mitral valve—which regulates blood flow between the chambers on the left side of the heart—is also damaged, your child may need surgery to repair or replace the valve. In some cases, if your baby’s heart is badly damaged, a heart transplant may be needed.

With timely treatment, most babies do very well after surgery and can expect to live a normal life. However, your child will need routine follow-ups with a heart specialist.