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Hepatic venous connection to a persistent inferior caval vein in left isomerism

J Guenthard1, J S Carvalho, R H Anderson

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, U.K.

European Heart Journal
|September 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Four of 22 patients with left atrial isomerism had unusual abdominal venous arrangements. This included persistent inferior caval vein and anomalous hepatic venous connections, impacting surgical planning.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

  • Left atrial isomerism is a complex congenital condition affecting cardiac and visceral anatomy.
  • Abdominal venous anomalies can occur in conjunction with left atrial isomerism, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe an unusual pattern of abdominal venous arrangement in patients with left atrial isomerism.
  • To highlight the surgical implications of this specific venous anomaly.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 22 cases of left atrial isomerism.
  • Detailed analysis of abdominal vascular anatomy in identified cases.

Main Results:

  • Four cases (18%) exhibited an unusual abdominal venous pattern.
  • This pattern included a persistent inferior caval vein, partially anomalous hepatic venous connection, and azygos continuation of lower body venous return.

Conclusions:

  • An unusual abdominal venous arrangement can be associated with left atrial isomerism.
  • Recognition of this pattern is crucial for surgical planning, particularly regarding inferior caval venous redirection.

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