Multimodality imaging of scimitar syndrome in adults: A report of four cases

Echocardiography. 2018 Oct;35(10):1684-1691. doi: 10.1111/echo.14124. Epub 2018 Aug 23.

Abstract

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) comprises a group of congenital cardiovascular anomalies associated with pulmonary venous flow directly or indirectly into the right atrium. Scimitar syndrome is a variant of PAPVR in which the right lung is drained by right pulmonary veins connected anomalously to the inferior vena cava. Surgery is the definitive treatment for scimitar syndrome. However, it is not always necessary as many patients are asymptomatic, have small left-to-right shunts, and enjoy a normal life expectancy without surgery. We report multimodality imaging in four adults with scimitar syndrome and the implications for management of this rare syndrome.

Keywords: cardiac magnetic resonance imaging; congenital cardiac anomalies; partial anomalous pulmonary venous return; scimitar syndrome; transesophageal echocardiogram; transthoracic echocardiogram.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multimodal Imaging / methods*
  • Pulmonary Veins / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radiography
  • Scimitar Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / diagnostic imaging*