Transient protein-losing enteropathy secondary to elevated caval pressures and caval obstruction after the Mustard procedure.

Protein-losing enteropathy, documented by 51Cr-labeled albumin excretion studies, was demonstrated in a 24-month-old girl following the Mustard operation for complete transposition. Apparent postoperative inferior vena cava obstruction had been diagnosed by angiocardiograms and both caval pressure were found to be elevated. There was no evidence of primary renal or hepatic disease or cardiac failure. This problem may occur more frequently than has been recognized.