Anomalous systemic venous connection to left atrium in a heart with usual atrial arrangement

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

• Anomalous systemic venous connection to the left atrium is a rare congenital heart anomaly.
• Previously reported cases are typically associated with left isomerism, a condition affecting organ arrangement.
• Clinical presentation often includes cyanosis and right heart hypoplasia, influenced by atrial septal defect size.

Observation:

• This report presents a unique case of anomalous systemic venous connection to the left atrium.
• The anomaly was observed in a newborn infant.
• Crucially, the infant exhibited the usual atrial arrangement, contrasting with prior literature.

Findings:

• The study identifies a rare case of anomalous systemic venous connection to the left atrium.
• This specific case occurred in a neonate with a normal atrial arrangement.
• This finding challenges the previously established association with left isomerism.

Implications:

• This case expands the known spectrum of anomalous systemic venous connection to the left atrium.
• It suggests that this anomaly can occur independently of left isomerism.
• Further research is needed to understand the embryological basis and clinical management of this variant.