Retrocardiac arteriovenous malformation causing recurrent cerebral ischemia.

A 28-year-old woman had been suffering from recurrent cerebral embolizations for almost 9 years. A retrocardiac arteriovenous malformation was identified as the source of emboli. It was supplied by chest wall veins and the right upper pulmonary vein, connected to the back wall of the left atrium and a possibly aberrant hepatic vein originating from the abdomen. The aneurysm was resected and all supplying veins ligated. The vein from below the diaphragm was implanted into the right atrium. Her postoperative course was uncomplicated. Long-term follow-up free from cerebrovascular events.