[Papilloedema and brain abscess associated with isolated left superior vena cava draining in to the left atrium].
BACKGROUND
Papilloedema and brain abscess associated with persistent left superior vena cava draining into the left atrium without sinus coronarius and atrium septum defect is rare and until now in only few cases have been reported.


METHODS
A 12 year-old girl was admitted because she had suffered from headache and blurred vision for 2 weeks. Fundus examination revealed papilloedema with peripapillary intraretinal haemorrhages. Pupillary reaction to light was normal. An afferent pupillary defect was negative. Neurological examination was without any focal neurological signs. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed the characteristic features of a brain abscess in the left frontal lobe (3.5 x 3.0 x 2.8). Cardiological examination showed the presence of an isolated left superior vena cava draining into the left atrium in the absence of coronary sinus and atrial septum defect.


CONCLUSIONS
Congenital heart disease such as LSVC is rare. The association of LSVC with papilloedema and brain abscess is very rarely seen. However, the complications of LSVC can be life-threatening. Therefore in children with papilloedema, intraocular and intraorbital reasons as well as congenital heart disease as the underlying reason should be included in the differential diagnosis.
Akkoyun
I
I
Department of Ophthalmology, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, 06490 Bahcelievler, Ankara, Turkey. imrena@baskent-ank.edu.tr
Gedik
S
S
Varan
B
B
Agildere
A M
AM
Akova
Y A
YA
D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D010211:Papilledema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D035583:Rare Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000002:abnormalities*; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*