Right Thoracotomy to Repair Scimitar Syndrome and an Accessory Hemidiaphragm.

Abstract

The association of an accessory hemidiaphragm and scimitar syndrome is extremely rare and occurs exclusively in the right hemithorax. We present the case of a 27-year-old female, who underwent complete resection of the accessory hemidiaphragm and direct anastomosis of the scimitar vein to the left atrium through a lateral right thoracotomy. This surgical approach offered easy access to both anomalies and allowed single-stage concomitant repair; this approach avoided postoperative respiratory complications and possible torsion or stenosis of the scimitar vein.