# Unveiling a Unique Case of Scimitar Syndrome: Clinical Significance and Multidisciplinary Management Challenges in Pakistan

**Authors:** Gulalay Shamal, Anam Israr Khan, Ahsan Ali, Neha James, Moula Ghulam

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53874 · Cureus · 2024-02-08

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare instance of Scimitar syndrome in Pakistan, highlighting its diagnosis, management challenges, and the importance of personalized treatment strategies.

## Contribution

The paper presents a unique case of Scimitar syndrome in Pakistan with a focus on conservative management and multidisciplinary care.

## Key findings

- A 26-year-old female was diagnosed with Scimitar syndrome through radiological assessments.
- Conservative management was chosen over surgery, emphasizing patient preferences and clinical course.
- Radiological techniques like CTPA and MRI are crucial for diagnosis and monitoring.

## Abstract

Scimitar syndrome, a rare congenital cardiac anomaly, involves abnormal pulmonary vein drainage into systemic veins, leading to distinct imaging features resembling a curved-blade sword. This case report presents a unique instance of scimitar syndrome in Pakistan, emphasizing its clinical importance and the challenges of management. A 26-year-old female with a history of recurrent pulmonary infections and respiratory symptoms since childhood was diagnosed with scimitar syndrome. Radiological assessments, including chest X-rays, computed tomography pulmonary angiograms (CTPA), and transthoracic echocardiography, confirmed the presence of a curved vessel originating from the right hemidiaphragm and connecting with the inferior vena cava (IVC). The patient and her medical team opted for conservative management, involving multidisciplinary care, tailored treatment for infections, and regular monitoring. The rarity of Scimitar syndrome necessitates careful diagnosis and management decisions. While surgical intervention is often recommended, this case demonstrates the complexities of choosing conservative management based on patient preferences and the evolving clinical course. A literature review reveals varied outcomes of surgical and conservative approaches, emphasizing the need for personalized strategies. Radiological techniques, such as CTPA and MRI, play pivotal roles in diagnosis and monitoring. This case report underscores the clinical significance of scimitar syndrome, particularly in regions with limited reported cases, like Pakistan. The multidisciplinary management approach, the decision-making process regarding conservative treatment, and the unique radiological findings contribute to the medical community's understanding of this rare condition.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Scimitar syndrome (MONDO:0015987)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** congenital cardiac anomaly (MESH:C535853), infections (MESH:D007239), Scimitar Syndrome (MESH:D012587), respiratory symptoms (MESH:D012818), pulmonary infections (MESH:D012141)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

14 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10925003/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10925003