A 35-year-old man with the diagnosis of mitral atresia, a double outlet right ventricle, pulmonary atresia with interrupted inferior caval vein, and azygous continuation to the right superior caval vein underwent a Blalock-Taussig shunt in early childhood and a Kawashima operation at the age of 17 at another institution. He presented to our clinic with progressive cyanosis and fatigue 18 years after his last surgical procedure. His oxygen saturation was 65%.\nCardiac catheterization revealed left pulmonary artery stenosis and a decompressing vein from the right superior caval vein to the left superior caval vein which directly drains to the left atrium. Left pulmonary artery stenting was done via right internal jugular approach (Figures , , and ).\nHe underwent a second catheterization for occlusion of the left superior caval vein via left internal jugular approach. The anomalous vein measured 22 and 20 mm in AP and lateral projections, respectively. Balloon test occlusion resulted in immediate increase in oxygen saturation from 65% to 82% without drop of blood pressure. The mean pressure in the azygous vein remained at 9 mmHg; pressure in the left internal jugular vein increased to 11 mmHg and dropped within a few minutes to 10 mmHg. Angiography showed good venous collateral drainage.\nThe largest available vascular plug, 24 mm in diameter, failed to completely occlude the vessel, which was successfully occluded using a 24 mm ASD occluder (Cera Lifetech, China) via a 12 Fr sheath. Upon completion of the procedure the patient had oxygen saturation of 80%, left internal jugular pressure of 10 mmHg, and right superior caval vein and pulmonary artery pressure of 9 mmHg.\nAfter occlusion, the patient had significant improvement of his exercise intolerance and fatigue. Follow-up hemodynamic study 12 months later showed no increase in venous pressure, no development of venous collaterals, and no decrease in his oxygen saturation.
A 46-year-old lady underwent CT chest abdomen and pelvis for breast cancer staging. The CT was reported as free of secondary pathology; however, the below-discussed findings were observed.\nThe CT scan shows the infrarenal tract of the IVC localised on the left side of the aorta. This left paramedian IVC is of normal calibre and crosses the middle line at the level of the celiac trunk, behind the aorta (). At T 12, the IVC continues its way up to the chest as Azygos vein, passing through the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm. No embryologic remnants of the supracardinal veins are noted on the right side of the aorta. A large vein is located ventromedially to the ureter on both sides, consistent with large ovarian veins. Furthermore, the right renal vein follows an anomalous course, as it is situated posteriorly to the aorta to drain into the left-sided IVC. Finally, a partial duplication of the left ureter is noted ().