CASE 314 Published on 01.08.2000

Unusual communication between bilateral superior venae cavae in a baby with tetralogy of Fallot

Section

Cardiovascular

Case Type

Clinical Cases

Authors

Rein AJJTR,MD, Raas-Rotschild A,MD, Nir A.

Patient

6 months, male

Clinical History
Wolfgang-Gollop syndrome, Tetralogy of Fallot. Unusual communicating vein between 2 azygos veins draining into bilateral superior venae cavae
Imaging Findings
A 6 month od baby with Wolfgang-Gollop syndrome was catheterized before surgery for tetralogy of Fallot. Echocardiography had revealed bilateral superior vena cava with LSVC draining into a dilated coronary sinus. In order to assess the need for canulating or ligating the persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) at time of surgery, we inserted an 5 Fr end-hole catheter into the LSVC via the right atrium and coronary sinus. It was then advanced into the left azygos vein and angiography performed. A large communicating vein connecting the 2 asygos veins was seen beind the heart. Persistent LSVC has been described in tetralogy of Fallot. In our case, although no classical communicating wein could be found by echocardiography, selective angiography revealed a peculiar communication between bilateral azygos veins. The baby underwent successful surgical repair with no need for left superior vena cava cannulation during cardiopulmonary bypass
Discussion
Persistent LSVC has been described in tetralogy of Fallot. In our case, although no classical communicating wein could be found by echocardiography, selective angiography revealed a peculiar communication between bilateral azygos veins. The baby underwent successful surgical repair with no need for left superior vena cava cannulation during cardiopulmonary bypass.
Differential Diagnosis List
Unusual communication between bilateral superior venae cavae
Final Diagnosis
Unusual communication between bilateral superior venae cavae
Case information
URL: https://eurorad.org/case/314
DOI: 10.1594/EURORAD/CASE.314
ISSN: 1563-4086