Levoatriocardinal vein in D-transposition of the great arteries

Shreya Moodley1, Walter Duncan1, Sanjiv Gandhi2

  • 11Division of Pediatric Cardiology,British Columbia Children's Hospital,University of British Columbia,Vancouver,Canada.

Insights

The levoatriocardinal vein, a rare remnant connecting venous systems, typically appears with left-sided obstruction. This report details the first known case in a patient with D-transposition of the great arteries.

Area of Science:

  • Embryology
  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Medical Case Reports

Background:

  • The levoatriocardinal vein is an embryological remnant connecting pulmonary and systemic venous systems.
  • It typically arises secondary to left-sided heart obstruction, serving as a decompression pathway for pulmonary veins.

Observation:

  • A rare levoatriocardinal vein was identified.
  • The patient presented with D-transposition of the great arteries, a complex congenital heart defect.

Findings:

  • This is the first reported instance of a levoatriocardinal vein in a patient diagnosed with D-transposition of the great arteries.
  • The presence of this anomaly in conjunction with D-transposition of the great arteries suggests potential new associations.

Implications:

  • This case expands the known spectrum of levoatriocardinal vein presentation.
  • Understanding this association may inform diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for complex congenital heart diseases.

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