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Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava
Published on: January 13, 2023
HEMIAZYGOS CONTINUATION TO CORONARY SINUS WITH NORMAL LEFT INNOMINATE VEIN
Jaime Benrey1, Robert L. Williams, George J. Reul
1Section of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, P.O. Box 20269, Houston, Texas 77025.
Insights
This study reports a rare case of absent hepatic inferior vena cava with hemiazygos continuation draining into the coronary sinus. This unique presentation differs from previously documented cases of vena cava anomalies and hemiazygos continuation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Anatomical Variations
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are uncommon but can lead to significant clinical implications.
- Persistent hemiazygos continuation is a rare IVC anomaly where the hemiazygos vein drains into the superior vena cava.
- Previous reports describe hemiazygos joining the homolateral superior vena cava.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a unique case of IVC anomaly with hemiazygos continuation to the coronary sinus.
- To highlight the distinct anatomical features compared to previously reported cases.
- To contribute to the understanding of rare cardiovascular malformations.
Main Methods:
- Case report detailing a patient's diagnosis.
- Review of relevant medical literature and imaging studies.
- Anatomical correlation and comparison with existing case series.
Main Results:
- A patient presented with an absent hepatic segment of the IVC.
- The hemiazygos vein demonstrated continuation and drainage into the coronary sinus.
- Associated findings included an atrial septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus.
- The left innominate vein was normal, with a single right superior vena cava.
Conclusions:
- This represents the first reported case of hemiazygos continuation to the coronary sinus with a normal left innominate vein and single right superior vena cava.
- The findings expand the spectrum of known IVC anomalies and hemiazygos variations.
- Understanding these rare variations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in cardiovascular medicine.
Abstract:
A case is described of absent hepatic segment of the inferior vena cava with hemiazygos continuation and drainage into the coronary sinus with associated atrial septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus. In all previously reported cases of inferior vena caval anomalies with persistent hemiazygos, the hemiazygos joined the homolateral superior vena cava. To our knowledge this is the first case to be reported of a patient who had hemiazygos continuation to the coronary sinus with a normal left innominate vein and a single right superior vena cava.
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