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Cyanosis in atrial septal defect due to persistent eustachian valve
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|December 1, 1985
Insights
A large eustachian valve caused cyanosis in two patients by allowing blood to shunt from the inferior vena cava to the left atrium. This anatomical anomaly presented surgical repair challenges.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Cyanosis in pediatric patients can stem from various congenital heart defects.
- Atrial septal defects (ASDs) typically present with left-to-right shunting and normal oxygen saturation.
- Anomalous venous connections or valves can alter intracardiac blood flow dynamics.
Abstract:
Two cyanotic patients had venoarterial shunting from the inferior vena cava to the left atrium in an uncomplicated atrial septal defect with normal right ventricular pressures. Cyanosis was due to a large, anomalous inferior vena caval valve, the eustachian valve. The mechanism of cyanosis and technical problems for surgical repair are discussed.