A patient with bilateral superior and inferior caval veins

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Vascular Anatomy

Background:

• Congenital heart disease encompasses a spectrum of structural abnormalities present at birth.
• Anomalous venous connections represent a rare subset of congenital cardiac malformations.
• Ostium primum atrial septal defects are a specific type of atrioventricular septal defect.

Observation:

• A unique case involving a normal systemic venous connection to the right atrium was identified.
• Simultaneously, left superior and inferior caval veins were observed draining into the left atrium.
• A large ostium primum atrial septal defect was a co-existing feature in this anomaly.

Findings:

• This presentation details a highly uncommon combination of anomalous venous return and atrial septal defect.
• The described anomaly represents the third reported instance diagnosed during a patient's lifetime.
• The coexistence of normal right-sided systemic venous drainage with left-sided drainage into the left atrium is exceptionally rare.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis of such rare anomalies is crucial for appropriate clinical management.
• Understanding these complex anatomical variations aids in surgical planning and improves patient outcomes.
• Further case reports are valuable for elucidating the full spectrum and long-term prognosis of this congenital anomaly.