Trans-catheter closure of a rare cause of pre-tricuspid left-to-right shunt: A "double" levoatriocardinal vein without left heart obstructive lesions

Abstract

The levoatriocardinal vein is a rare vascular anomalous connection between the left atrium and the superior vena cava (or left innominate vein). This defect is usually associated with left heart obstructive lesions, while it is rarely found in an isolated form. In the former case, the anomalous connection causes a pre-tricuspid left-to-right shunt with right-heart volume overload. We describe the first case of "double" homolateral levoatriocardinal vein in a child with signs and symptoms of right-heart failure and pulmonary blood-flow overload. A trans-catheter closure of both vascular connections was performed with two Amplatzer Vascular Plug type II (Abbott, Plymouth, MN, USA). The percutaneous approach proved to be safe and effective, with early improvement in the signs and symptoms of heart failure. <Learning objective: This case report cautions us to consider the levoatriocardinal vein as a possible finding in infants or children with right-heart overload in absence of other congenital heart lesions. Furthermore, the presence of a "double" levoatriocardinal connection may worsen the pulmonary blood-flow overload with early onset of symptoms. The trans-catheter approach is effective to deal with the congenital lesion.>.

Keywords: Left-to-right shunt; Levoatriocardinal vein; Trans-catheter closure; Vascular plug.