Two cases of left superior vena cava draining directly to a left atrium with a normal coronary sinus
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425.
Insights
A rare persistent left superior vena cava anomaly, where it drains into the left atrium, is described. This report details two cases with a normal coronary sinus, challenging previous assumptions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular anatomy
- Thoracic venous system variations
- Congenital heart anomalies
Background:
- Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a common thoracic venous anomaly, typically draining into the coronary sinus.
- A rare variant involves PLSVC draining directly into the left atrium, often presumed to occur with an absent coronary sinus.
Abstract:
The most common variation in the thoracic systemic venous system is a persistent left superior vena cava draining to a coronary sinus. A rare anomaly is a persistent left superior vena cava connecting directly to the left atrium. In this situation it is believed that the coronary sinus must be absent. This report describes two cases of a persistent left superior vena cava draining to a left atrium with a normal coronary sinus.
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