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Anomalous connection of the right superior caval vein to the morphologically left atrium
Matthias Gorenflo1, Christian Sebening, Herbert E Ulmer
1Department of Paediatric Cardiology, University Medical Centre, Heidelberg, Germany. Mathias.Gorenflo@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Insights
Isolated drainage of the right superior caval vein into the left atrium is a rare congenital heart defect causing cyanosis. Surgical correction in a neonate with meconium aspiration syndrome led to full recovery, highlighting effective treatment options.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Anomalous drainage of the right superior caval vein into the left atrium is a rare congenital cardiac malformation.
- This condition often presents with cyanosis in affected patients.
Observation:
- A male neonate presented with cyanosis attributed to this rare cardiac anomaly.
- The neonate also experienced complications from meconium aspiration syndrome.
Findings:
- Echocardiography and cardiac catheterization confirmed the diagnosis of anomalous right superior caval vein drainage.
- Surgical intervention was performed to correct the cardiac malformation.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and surgical intervention for this rare anomaly.
- Successful surgical repair can lead to complete recovery in neonates, even with complicating factors like meconium aspiration syndrome.
Abstract:
Anomalous drainage of the right superior caval vein into the morphologically left atrium as an isolated cardiac malformation is a rare anomaly. Most patients present with cyanosis. Thus far, about 20 cases have been reported in the literature. We report a case of cyanosis due to this malformation in a male neonate, which was complicated by the meconium aspiration syndrome. The malformation was diagnosed by echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. Surgery resulted in complete recovery.
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