Veno-venous bridges: The forerunners of the sinus venosus defect

Ryan J. Butts, Andrew M. Crean, Anthony M. Hlavacek, Diane E. Spicer, Andrew C. Cook, Erwin N. Oechslin, Robert H. Anderson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Differentiation of the so-called sinus venosus defect from other defects permitting shunting between the atrial chambers remains problematic. The lesion is not a true septal defect, and current theories to explain the existence of the sinus venosus defect fall short. The presence of persistent systemic to pulmonary venous connections has been proposed to explain the existence of the sinus venosus defect.Methods Clinical histories and radiological findings of six patients are reviewed. Three patients have veno-venous bridges, two have partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections, and one patient has a sinus venosus defect. The clinical information is reviewed, along with current developmental and morphological considerations.Discussion We provide radiographic, developmental, and morphological evidence to support the theory that a so-called sinus venosus defect is the consequence of persistence of foetal systemic to pulmonary veno-venous bridges, rather than of deficiencies in atrial septation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)623-630
Number of pages8
JournalCardiology in the Young
Volume21
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2011

Keywords

  • Interatrial communication
  • anomalous pulmonary venous connections
  • atrial septal defects
  • computed tomography

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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