Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection results in pulmonary veins draining into which chamber?

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection results in pulmonary veins draining into which chamber?

• A. Left atrium
• B. Right atrium
• C. Pulmonary veins drain into the coronary sinus
• D. Pulmonary veins drain into the superior vena cava

Answer: (B)

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection happens when the pulmonary veins don’t connect to the left atrium. Instead, the oxygenated blood from the lungs returns to the right side of the heart. No matter the exact route—directly to the right atrium, via the coronary sinus, or into a systemic vein like the SVC or IVC—the end point is the right atrium. Since the question asks for the chamber that receives the pulmonary venous return, the correct answer is the right atrium.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection happens when the pulmonary veins don’t connect to the left atrium. Instead, the oxygenated blood from the lungs returns to the right side of the heart. No matter the exact route—directly to the right atrium, via the coronary sinus, or into a systemic vein like the SVC or IVC—the end point is the right atrium. Since the question asks for the chamber that receives the pulmonary venous return, the correct answer is the right atrium.