Infradiaphragmatic anomalous pulmonary venous connection. Report of an unusual case.

Abstract

Infradiaphragmatic total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage is characterized anatomically by union of all 4 pulmonary veins to form a common vertical vein. This vein descends through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm to enter either the portal vein, ductus venosus, or the inferior vena cava. Infants having this condition usually do not survive beyond the first few weeks or months of life. 1-15 It is the purpose of this report to describe the unusual clinical course of a 4-year-old Negro female who died after attempted surgical correction of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the inferior vena cava. This patient was unusual in that she had been relatively asymptomatic, did not demonstrate cyanosis, and had auscultatory findings compatible with the clinical diagnosis of atrial septal defect. Her long survival truly was remarkable. Report of a Case The patient had been followed in the Children's Cardiac Clinic of the City of