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Unmasking an Anomalous Vein: Surgical Repair of Left Upper Pulmonary Vein Drainage into the Innominate Vein

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Bibliographic Details
Summary:Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by one or more pulmonary veins draining into the systemic venous system. We present the case of a 51-year-old woman with PAPVR involving the left upper pulmonary vein (LUPV) draining into the left innominate vein via a vertical vein, diagnosed after investigation of progressive dyspnea and lower limb edema. The diagnosis was confirmed through contrast-enhanced CT and echocardiography. The patient underwent surgical correction of the anomalous return along with tricuspid valve repair. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. This case highlights the importance of recognizing PAPVR in adult patients presenting with unexplained right heart dilation or symptoms of right heart overload.
Main Authors:Resende, Maria
Other Authors:Madeira, Márcio; Silva, Cláudia; Marques, Marta; Abecasis, Miguel
Subject:PAPVR anomalous pulmonary venous drainage vertical vein tricuspid repair adult congenital heart disease
Year:2026
Country:Portugal
Document type:article
Access type:unknown
Associated institution:Sociedade Portuguesa de Cirurgia Cardíaca, Torácica e Vascular
Language:English
Origin:Portuguese Journal of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Surgery
Description
Summary:Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by one or more pulmonary veins draining into the systemic venous system. We present the case of a 51-year-old woman with PAPVR involving the left upper pulmonary vein (LUPV) draining into the left innominate vein via a vertical vein, diagnosed after investigation of progressive dyspnea and lower limb edema. The diagnosis was confirmed through contrast-enhanced CT and echocardiography. The patient underwent surgical correction of the anomalous return along with tricuspid valve repair. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. This case highlights the importance of recognizing PAPVR in adult patients presenting with unexplained right heart dilation or symptoms of right heart overload.