Corrected partial anomalous pulmonary vein connection associated with lung resection: a case report

Surg Case Rep. 2024 Nov 21;10(1):267. doi: 10.1186/s40792-024-02070-x.

Abstract

Introduction: Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) is a potential cause of right-sided heart failure. Notably, a risk of sudden circulatory failure exists during lung surgery. Only a few reports of PAPVC complicated by lung cancer requiring lobectomy exist. Here, we report a case of left lower lung lobectomy complicated by an anomalous connection of the left upper pulmonary vein requiring revascularization.

Case presentation: A 66-year-old man was found with an abnormal mass shadow in the left lower lung field on chest radiography. Bronchoscopy revealed lung adenocarcinoma. Preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed that the left upper pulmonary vein did not perfuse the left atrium but was connected to the left brachiocephalic vein. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography revealed right atrial and ventricular enlargement. The clinical diagnosis was stage IB (T2aN0M0). We decided to perform a left lower lobectomy and correct the PAPVC to maintain oxygenation after the lobectomy. The PAPVC was ligated, and the stump of the left upper pulmonary vein was anastomosed to the left atrial appendage without cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed intact reconstructed vessels. Postoperative transthoracic echocardiography showed no right ventricular overload. The patient's postoperative clinical course following the surgical procedure was uneventful. Furthermore, the patient was followed up without any complications.

Conclusions: This rare case of successful surgical correction can inform clinicians of similar cases.

Keywords: Lung cancer; Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection; Revascularization.