# Using Three-Dimensional Computer Graphics for Anomalous Drainage of the Inferior Vena Cava

## TL;DR

A 5-year-old girl with a heart defect was accurately diagnosed using 3D computer graphics to visualize an unusual vein connection.

## Contribution

The use of 3D computer graphics for diagnosing a rare cardiac anomaly is demonstrated.

## Key findings

- 3D computer graphics clearly showed the anomalous drainage of the inferior vena cava to the left atrium.
- The 3D model helped confirm the presence of an atrial septal defect alongside the vein anomaly.
- The method proved effective for diagnosing complex and uncommon cardiac anatomy.

## Abstract

A 5-year-old girl was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect and anomalous drainage of the right lower pulmonary vein into the right atrium at the age of 2 years. On reevaluation of computed tomography findings, anomalous drainage of the inferior vena cava to the left atrium was suspected. For accurate diagnosis, we created a cardiac 3-dimensional computer graphics model based on computed tomography imaging, which clearly demonstrated an anomalous connection of the inferior vena cava to the left atrium combined with an atrial septal defect. The 3-dimensional reconstruction was useful for the accurate diagnosis of the relatively uncommon anatomy.