Unusual venacaval anomalies in a patient with atrial septal defect

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Anatomy
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Congenital heart defects, such as ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) and pulmonary stenosis (PS), can present with complex anatomical variations.
• Systemic venous anomalies, though uncommon, are significant in cardiovascular imaging and surgical planning.

Observation:

• A 30-year-old male patient presented with a unique combination of cardiovascular anomalies.
• The patient exhibited an absent right superior vena cava (RSVC).
• A persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) was observed, draining into the coronary sinus.

Findings:

• The patient demonstrated a left-sided inferior vena cava (IVC) which drained into the LSVC via the hemiazygous vein.
• This represents a rare confluence of multiple venous drainage abnormalities.
• The findings were associated with diagnosed ostium secundum ASD and pulmonary stenosis.

Implications:

• Understanding these rare venous anomalies is crucial for accurate diagnosis and risk assessment in patients with congenital heart disease.
• Such anatomical variations necessitate tailored surgical and interventional approaches.
• This case contributes to the existing knowledge base of systemic venous anomalies, aiding future clinical management and research.