Minimally Invasive Approach to Correct Anomalous Inferior Vena Cava Connection to the Left Atrium

Abstract

<jats:p> Anomalous drainage of the inferior vena cava into the left atrium is a rare congenital condition. A 20-year-old girl was referred for recurrent transient ischemic attacks. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a large ostium secundum atrial septal defect, and computed tomography showed anomalous drainage of the inferior vena cava into the left atrium. Through a right mini-thoracotomy, the opening of the inferior vena cava into the atrium was identified under the inferior edge of the interatrial septum, draining into the left atrium, and redirected to the right atrium, using a pericardial patch to reconstruct the atrial septum. Postoperative course was uneventful. Right mini-thoracotomy approach was effective in correcting the anomalous drainage of the inferior vena cava into the left atrium. </jats:p>

Anomalous drainage of the caudal vena cava into the left atrium and duplication of the posthepatic caudal vena cava in a cat diagnosed with CT

“…Anomalous drainage of the inferior vena cava (caudal vena cava) into the left atrium has been described in multiple case reports in human medicine 1–17. It may be congenital2 4 5 7–17 or iatrogenic (secondary to surgical closure of atrial septal defect (ASD)) 1 3 6. Suprahepatic inferior vena cava duplication has not been reported in human medicine.…”

“…In human beings and veterinary medicine, duplication of the prehepatic inferior vena cava (caudal vena cava) in absence of other cardiovascular anomalies is typically asymptomatic and incidental 19 28. Conversely, in human medicine, patients with anomalous drainage of the inferior vena cava into the left atrium typically present with clinical signs of dyspnoea, cyanosis and clubbing of fingers and toes 1 2 9 10 15. Clinical findings include polycythaemia1 3 11 and systemic arterial oxygen desaturation 9 11.…”

“…Clinical findings include polycythaemia1 3 11 and systemic arterial oxygen desaturation 9 11. Cardiac murmurs were not always reported on physical examination;9 however, they can be present 1 2 9 10 15. However, the age at diagnosis of this anomaly in human beings can vary widely from an infant to middle aged adult (Chhabada and others 2018) 14.…”