Iatrogenic diversion of inferior vena cava to the left atrium presented as persistent hypoxemia: Case series.

RATIONALE

The transcatheter closure and atrioseptopexy are the main treatment methods for atrial septal defect (ASD). However, persistent hypoxemia due to iatrogenic diversion of inferior vena cava (IVC) to the left atrium (LA) is reported as a rare complication after ASD closure. Contrast echocardiology is a reliable and powerful tool to detect iatrogenic diversion and identify the etiology accurately.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We reported 2 patients (a 11-year-old boy [Patient 1] and a 39-year-old female [Patient 2]) with persistent hypoxemia and exertional dyspnea after ASD transcatheter closure and robotic atrioseptopexy, respectively.

DIAGNOSES

Contrast echocardiography confirmed the presence of a right-to-left shunt at the atrial level which was presented only in femoral venous contrast injection instead of upper extremity venous contrast injection.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

Subsequent surgical exploration found that the occluder straddling the entry of IVC and the fibrous membrane proliferating along the lower edge of the occlude in the first patient, and the patch improperly linked to the Eustachian valve in the second patient. The misoperation led to IVC partially draining into LA. After the surgeries, both of them had their hypoxic symptoms relieved.

LESSONS

Persistent unexplained hypoxemia after ASD closure might be considered to result from a right-to-left shunt. An iatrogenic right-to-left shunt flow from the IVC to the LA was usually caused by the misplaced interatrial occluder or patch. Transthoracic agitated saline contrast echocardiography via combined peripheral venous access has the well-performed capability to hint some insidious right-to-left shunts and guides clinical therapy as soon as possible.