Abnormal systemic venous connection possibly associated with a persistent right umbilical vein; a case report

BACKGROUND: Abnormal venous connections involving a persistent right umbilical vein are rare. In a minority of cases the liver is entirely bypassed and the condition is associated with multiple congenital malformations. CASE PRESENTATION: The described case illustrates a systemic venous drainage that was severely abnormal in a newborn girl with a truncus arteriosus type II congenital heart defect. Injection of contrast medium through the umbilical vein catheter revealed a very peculiar venous connection that passed anterio-laterally through the right hemithorax before crossing in an oblique fashion towards the superior vena cava. CONCLUSIONS: This venous drainage may be the result of a persistent right umbilical vein connecting with the superior vena cava.