Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection and a tracheal bronchus associated with lung cancer in the same lobe: classification of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection in lung resection

Abstract

A 73-year-old man with primary lung adenocarcinoma (StageIA3), which was solid nodule in the posterior segment, was simultaneously diagnosed as having partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) and a tracheal bronchus in the same lobe on preoperative chest computed tomography. Right upper lobectomy was performed as the definitive treatment for both the lung cancer and the PAPVC. The superior pulmonary vein connected to the proximal superior vena cava and the pulmonary artery to the apical segment diverged at the proximal portion of the right pulmonary artery trunk along with the tracheal bronchus. The patient's pulmonary arterial pressure improved after lobectomy. The patient is living well without recurrence of lung cancer 6months after surgery. In conclusion, it is important to confirm the presence of anomalous pulmonary vein drainage to prevent the lethal change of pulmonary-systemic blood flow. Based on the classification of PAPVC proposed, surgical plan should be considered carefully.