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Author Spotlight: Advancing Spectral Characterization of Physiological and Malperfused Tissues
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Vena caval anomalies

Ramyah Rajakulasingam1, Rohin Francis2, Ramanan Rajakulasingam2

  • 1Department of Cardiology, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, United Kingdom ; Lister Hospital, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, United Kingdom.

Journal of Clinical Imaging Science
|January 10, 2014
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a rare combination of congenital heart anomalies: a bicuspid aortic valve, persistent left superior vena cava, and a left-sided inferior vena cava. Understanding these venous anomalies is vital for cardiac procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Anatomical Pathology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Anomalous venous anatomy, particularly involving the superior and inferior vena cava, can complicate cardiac interventions.
  • Congenital heart defects such as bicuspid aortic valve are relatively common.
  • The persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is the most common congenital anomaly of the superior vena cava.

Observation:

  • A 44-year-old female presented with a rare constellation of cardiovascular anomalies.
  • She possessed a bicuspid aortic valve.
  • Additionally, she had a persistent left superior vena cava draining into the coronary sinus and a left-sided inferior vena cava that connected via the hemiazygos vein to the PLSVC.

Findings:

  • This case represents the first reported instance of an association between bicuspid aortic valve, PLSVC with coronary sinus drainage, and a left-sided IVC draining into the PLSVC.
  • Detailed imaging confirmed the complex venous drainage pattern.

Implications:

  • Accurate identification of anomalous vena cavae is critical for the safety and success of right-sided heart procedures.
  • Awareness of such combined anomalies is essential for interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons.
  • This case highlights the importance of thorough pre-procedural anatomical assessment in patients with congenital heart disease.

Keywords:
Inferior vena cavapersistent left superior vena cavavena caval anomalies

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