Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return in a patient undergoing left upper lobectomy for adenocarcinoma of the lung: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) is a rare congenital heart disease that complicates surgical management of pulmonary pathology. CASE PRESENTATION: This case describes the successful management of a 73-year-old female with a left upper lobe adenocarcinoma and pre-operative discovery of left superior anomalous pulmonary venous return into the innominate vein. This patient presented to our clinic for evaluation regarding her newly discovered adenocarcinoma of the lung. Here, we also discuss findings in the literature for management of these patients regarding the importance of preoperative evaluation to determine the extent to which a lobectomy will alter pulmonary function with special emphasis on identifying patients at risk of increased shunting leading to cardiopulmonary failure. CONCLUSION: Consideration should focus on the extent of the shunting, the presence of symptoms, and underlying right heart strain or pulmonary hypertension.