Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

08:34
Left Atrial Stenosis Induced Pulmonary Venous Arterialization and Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension in Rat
Published on: November 18, 2018
Unroofed coronary sinus and persistent left superior vena cava: A case report
M Bonardi1, A Valentini, R Camporotondo
1IRCCS Foundation, San Matteo Medical Center, Radiology, Pavia, Italy.
Journal of Ultrasound
|March 2, 2013
Summary
A rare heart defect called an unroofed coronary sinus, often linked with persistent left superior vena cava, can be hard to diagnose. This case highlights its discovery via CT scan during pulmonary hypertension evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Unroofed coronary sinus is a spectrum of cardiac anomalies characterized by partial or complete absence of the interatrial wall separating the coronary sinus from the left atrium.
- These anomalies frequently coexist with anomalous systemic venous return, notably persistent left superior vena cava.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to nonspecific clinical presentations, impacting patient prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of a complete unroofed coronary sinus and persistent left superior vena cava.
- To illustrate the utility of computed tomography in diagnosing this rare cardiac anomaly in the context of pulmonary hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Computed tomography (CT) investigation was performed.
- The diagnostic process involved detailed imaging analysis to identify cardiac anomalies.
Main Results:
- A complete unroofed coronary sinus was identified.
- A persistent left superior vena cava was also diagnosed.
- These findings were discovered during a CT scan for pulmonary hypertension.
Conclusions:
- The case demonstrates the successful diagnosis of a complete unroofed coronary sinus and persistent left superior vena cava using computed tomography.
- This highlights the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing rare cardiac anomalies, especially when presenting with conditions like pulmonary hypertension.
Keywords:
Computed tomographyCongenital heart diseasePersistent left superior vena cavaUnroofed coronary sinusMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Systemic Veins
Systemic veins are crucial blood vessels that return deoxygenated blood from various body tissues back to the heart. There are three systemic veins that return deoxygenated blood to the heart, they are as follows.
The coronary sinus, the heart's principal vein, resides in the coronary sulcus on the heart's posterior aspect. This broad venous channel receives nearly all venous blood from the myocardium, the heart muscle. It is fed by three primary veins: the great cardiac vein, the middle...
The coronary sinus, the heart's principal vein, resides in the coronary sulcus on the heart's posterior aspect. This broad venous channel receives nearly all venous blood from the myocardium, the heart muscle. It is fed by three primary veins: the great cardiac vein, the middle...
Coronary Circulation
The heart, an organ critical to survival, gets nourishment not from the blood it pumps but from a separate circulation system known as coronary circulation. This is the shortest circulation in the body and is responsible for supplying the heart with the nutrients it needs to function effectively.
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...

