An adult with left isomerism having an interrupted inferior vena cava and persistent left superior vena cava associated with partial atrioventricular canal defect and complete heart block — a case report

Persistent left superior vena cava is a well-recognized thoracic venous abnormality, most of which do not present with any symptoms. Its opening into the left atrium is uncommonly encountered and, if present, is noted to be associated with various other complex intracardiac malformations, which further complicates its management. Herein, we highlight a case of an adult with persistent left superior vena cava with a spectrum of other cardiac anomalies rarely encountered with it, which was effectively managed by tailored surgical intervention. A 26-year-old female on meticulous evaluation was found to have left isomerism with an interrupted inferior vena cava and hemiazygos continuing as a persistent left superior vena cava. It was also associated with common atrium, partial atrioventricular canal defect, and complete heart block. This complex array of anomalies was managed surgically. Common atrium was closed with atrial neo-septation using autologous pericardial patch tailored in a way, such that the persistent left superior vena cava drained into right atrium with left atrial appendage being on right side of neo-septum. Cleft in the left atrioventricular valve was also repaired. Despite preoperative complete heart block, the patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was in atrial fibrillation with controlled ventricular rate, thus precluding the need for permanent pacemaker implantation. A rare spectrum of adult congenital cyanotic heart disease was successfully managed with thorough preoperative evaluation and judicious intraoperative management. Surgical management should be tailored based on specific anatomy for reduction of morbidity and optimum results.