Right superior vena cava draining in the left atrium: anatomical, embryological, and surgical considerations

Abstract

A newborn, with SDS (S = situs viscero-atrialis solitus, D = D-loop of the ventricles, S = solitus, normally related great arteries) anomalous drainage of the right superior vena cava in the left atrium, intact atrial septum, and anomalous drainage of the right superior pulmonary veins in the right superior vena cava, underwent surgical repair at our institution. This rare cyanotic, congenital, cardiac malformation is herein described with particular regard to its anatomical, embryological, and surgical implications.