Diagnosis of vena cava connection in patients with polysplenia syndrome by echocardiography

Abstract

Objective To explore the characteristics of vena cava and pulmonary vena connection in patients with polysplenia syndrome, and to improve the diagnosis of the polysplenia syndrome by echocardiography. Methods Forty-five patients with polysplenia syndrome diagnosed by echocardiography were reviewed retrospectively. The characteristics and the frequency of the various types of anomalous connection of vena cava and pulmonary vena were analyzed. Results In 45 patients with polysplenia, 27 cases (60%) had anomalous connection of superior vena cava, anomalous inferior vena cava was found in 24 cases (53.3%), while 22 cases (48.8%) were diagnosed with hepatic vein anomalous drainage. Nineteen patients (42.2%) had anomalous pulmonary venous, which partially anomalous venous drainage in 4 (8.9%) and total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage occurred in 15 patients (33.3%). Conclusions Polysplenia syndrome often accompanied with anomalous vena cava and pulmonary venous drainage. Echocardiography can effectively diagnose polysplenia syndrome. Key words: Echocardiography; Heart defects, congenital; Polysplenia syndrome