Anomalous systemic venous return: recognition by two-dimensional echocardiography.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Anomalies of systemic and coronary venous return can be challenging to diagnose.
• Accurate identification is crucial for appropriate patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the two-dimensional echocardiographic features of systemic and coronary venous return anomalies.
• To evaluate the utility of peripheral contrast injections in diagnosing these anomalies.

Main Methods:

• Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed on 23 patients with proven venous return anomalies.
• Contrast material was injected peripherally (left arm, right arm, or femoral vein).
• Echocardiographic findings were correlated with angiography results.

Main Results:

• Left-sided superior vena cava draining to the right atrium was identified in 17 patients via a characteristic ovoid structure.
• Left-sided superior vena cava draining to the left atrium or common atrium was identified in 5 patients.
• Hemiazygos inferior vena cava return anomalies were identified in 2 patients.
• Peripheral contrast injections reliably demonstrated venous abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• Two-dimensional echocardiography with peripheral contrast injections is a reliable method for diagnosing systemic venous return anomalies.
• This non-invasive technique provides valuable information prior to more invasive procedures.