Role of intraoperative echocardiography in surgical correction of the superior sinus venosus atrial septal defect

Anomalous Connection of Superior Vena Cava to Left Atrium-A Rare Congenital Cardiac Anomaly and Its Implications

Exclusive drainage of superior vena cava (SVC) into the left atrium (LA) is one of the rare causes of right-to-left connection. Usually, this anomaly occurs in association with other cardiac defects, and is diagnosed in early childhood. But if it remains an isolated anomaly, this connection may be underdiagnosed and could lead to systemic manifestations. We describe a case of anomalous connection of SVC to LA with drainage of right upper pulmonary vein into SVC and its implications for the perioperative physician. The patient presented with dyspnea on exertion, cyanosis, and a past history of cerebral abscess.

Sinus venosus atrial septal defect and partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection in a patient with dextrocardia

An 85-year-old woman presenting with symptomatic pulmonary hypertension (PH) with a history of dextrocardia was referred to our facility for treatment of heart failure. Significant shunting was detected by measuring oxygen saturation during right heart catheterisation (RHC). CT with contrast revealed sinus venosus atrial septal defect (SVASD) and partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC), in which the left upper and middle lobar pulmonary veins returned to the superior vena cava and right atrium. Despite medical treatment, the patient died, and an autopsy was performed. SVASD and PAPVC are rare congenital anomalies. RHC with measurement of oxygen saturation and CT with contrast should be considered in patients with unexplained right atrial and ventricular enlargement or suspected PH.