A rare association recognized before cardiac surgery: Persistent left superior vena cava and secundum atrial septal defect

One of the most common congenital anomalies of systemic veins is persistent left superior vena cava. Association of persistent left superior vena cava with other congenital cardiac diseases is common and frequently encountered during diagnostic studies. Contrast echocardiography has an important role in the diagnosis. Owing to the fact that cardiopulmonary by-pass procedure may be problematic in patients with persistent left superior vena cava, this anomaly should be detected before cardiac surgery and required measures should be taken. Our case is an association of persistent left superior vena cava detected in a patient to be operated for secundum atrial septal defect. We report the case owing to its low frequency and to emphasize the importance of detection before cardiac surgery.