# Sinus Venosus Atrial Septal Defect as an Overlooked Source of Shortness of Breath Among Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

## TL;DR

A rare heart defect may be misdiagnosed as lung disease, causing breathing issues in patients with high blood pressure in the lungs.

## Contribution

Highlights a rare sinus venosus atrial septal defect as a potential cause of dyspnea in pulmonary hypertension patients.

## Key findings

- A 61-year-old male with dyspnea was found to have a sinus venosus atrial septal defect.
- Timely diagnosis and surgical correction improved outcomes in pulmonary hypertension.
- Multimodal imaging is crucial for diagnosing congenital heart defects in adults.

## Abstract

Sinus venosus atrial septal defects (SVASD) associated with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) can be overlooked as a source of dyspnea in adult patients with pulmonary hypertension. We present the case of a 61-year-old male with exertional dyspnea initially attributed to pulmonary hypertension, who was subsequently diagnosed with SVASD and right superior PAPVR. This case underscores the critical importance of maintaining high clinical awareness and utilizing multimodal imaging techniques in cardiology to accurately diagnose and manage pulmonary hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease. Timely surgical correction can significantly improve morbidity and mortality outcomes.