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Retrocardiac Innominate Vein: A Rare Vascular Anomaly Associated With Congenital Heart Disease
Ali Alakhfash1, Osama Alrusaini1, Fahad Alhabshan2
1Pediatric Cardiology Department, Prince Sultan Cardiac Center-Qassim, Qassim Health Cluster, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Insights
This study details a rare congenital heart anomaly: a retrocardiac innominate vein coexisting with an atrial septal defect in an infant. Successful surgical closure of the atrial septal defect highlights the importance of recognizing such venous variations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Vascular Anatomy
Background:
- Atrial septal defects (ASDs) are common congenital heart anomalies.
- Systemic venous abnormalities can rarely coexist with ASDs.
- Accurate diagnosis of coexisting anomalies is crucial for patient management.
Abstract:
Atrial septal defects are common congenital heart anomalies and may coexist with rare systemic venous abnormalities. We describe a one-year-old female with a large secundum atrial septal defect and an unusual retrocardiac innominate vein. Transthoracic echocardiography suggested a persistent left superior vena cava, but the innominate vein was absent from its usual location and the coronary sinus was not dilated. Cardiac CT angiography demonstrated a retrocardiac innominate vein draining into the azygos system and subsequently to the right atrium. Surgical atrial septal defect closure was successful. Recognition of this anomaly is essential for accurate diagnosis and procedural planning.
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