Left-to-right shunt at atrial level due to anomalous venous connection of left lung: report of seven cases.

Our experience with seven patients with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) of the left lung, treated between 1955 and 1980, is reviewed. The developmental aspects and the hemodynamic effects of the anomaly are discussed, and the patterns of the abnormal venous connection in our patients are described. All the patients except one had an additional atrial septal defect (ASD). Treatment consisted in closure of the ASD and creation of a large anastomosis between the detached or ligated anomalous connecting vein and the left atrium, preferably the left auricular appendage. No operative or late deaths occurred; and except for atrial flutter, which lasted a few days in one case, there were no serious complications. The indication for repair, the problems of the anastomosis, and the points of postoperative attention are discussed.