Abnormality of venous return associated with congenital heart defect in an adult patient

Acta Cardiol. 2007 Jun;62(3):303-5. doi: 10.2143/AC.62.3.2020822.

Abstract

Systemic venous abnormalities are common and in some cases may be associated with congenital heart defects. We report here a case of a 67-year-old woman with bilateral superior vena cava with interruption of the inferior vena cava with hemiazygous continuation in the context of left atrial isomerism. These abnormalities were associated with a small secundum atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale. The dilated hemiazygous vein was a potential mimicker of aortic pathology. The dilated coronary sinus was a sign of anomalous venous return. The echocardiographist should search systematically for a congenital heart defect on detection of this type of anomalous venous return. Radiological imaging can help to confirm the diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Coronary Vessel Anomalies / diagnostic imaging*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography / methods
  • Female
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / abnormalities
  • Vena Cava, Superior / abnormalities