Nakagawa T, Tanouchi J, Nishino M, Aoyama T, Miyawaki M, Ito T, Ebisuno S, Ohnishi S, Tanahashi H, Yamada Y
Division of Cardiology, Osaka Rosai Hospital.
J Cardiol. 1994 Sep-Oct;24(5):411-6.
A 56-year-old woman was admitted with the chief complaint of dyspnea. Chest radiograph and echocardiography disclosed mirror image dextrocardia with massive pleural effusion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed dilated coronary sinus and persistent right-sided superior vena cava which entered the coronary sinus. These findings were compatible with those of digital subtraction angiography. Anomalies of the venous system must be recognized before surgery because adequate venous drainage is essential for extra-corporeal circulation. MRI and TEE are noninvasive and useful methods and should be performed first to detect anomalies of the venous system associated with dextrocardia.
