Abstract

Anomalous pulmonary venous return is an uncommon congenital malformation which can be broadly
categorized into partial or total, of which the former is more common. The anomaly is considered to be
partial if some of the pulmonary veins drain into the systemic circulation and total if all the pulmonary
veins drain into systemic circulation. Isolated partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVC) is an
uncommon finding and is a very uncommon cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Whilst many
patients with PAPVC remain asymptomatic, some may present at a later age with symptoms related to
left-to-right shunt, pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure. We are presenting an interesting
case report of an 18 years old patient who presented with exertional dyspnea and fatigue conforming to
NYHA class II symptom status. Trans-esophageal echocardiography revealed isolated obstructive PAPVC
as the cause for pulmonary hypertension without other demonstrable left-to-right shunts.

Key words: Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection Pulmonary hypertension Trans-esophageal echocardiography