Interruption of the inferior vena cava and azygos continuation in a child with partial atrioventricular septal defect

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Radiology
• Pediatric Cardiology

Background:

• Congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are infrequent, with interruption and azygos vein continuation representing a specific type of venous return anomaly.
• These anomalies are significant due to their frequent association with complex congenital heart defects.
• Understanding these venous anomalies is crucial for managing associated cardiac conditions and potential procedural complications.

Observation:

• A case study details an 8-year-old girl presenting with a common atrium and partial atrioventricular septal defect.
• The patient exhibited infrahepatic interruption of the inferior vena cava with azygos continuation, notably without polysplenia.
• This specific presentation highlights the diverse clinical manifestations of IVC anomalies.

Findings:

• The study identifies isolated congenital interruption of the IVC with azygos vein continuation as a distinct venous anomaly.
• The co-occurrence of this IVC anomaly with common atrium and partial atrioventricular septal defect is described.
• Diagnostic modalities like magnetic resonance angiography and computed tomography are effective in identifying this condition.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis of IVC anomalies is critical for surgical and interventional planning, particularly in pediatric cardiac cases.
• Awareness of this anomaly can prevent complications during cardiac catheterization, abdominal surgery, and other interventional procedures.
• This case underscores the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing rare congenital venous and cardiac malformations.