Which statement describes the Vein of Marshall?

Which statement describes the Vein of Marshall?

• A. It is located anterior to the left pulmonary vein and can be a source of atrial fibrillation
• B. It drains into the right atrium
• C. It lies within the right ventricle
• D. It is a tributary of the inferior vena cava

Answer: (A)

The Vein of Marshall is the oblique vein of the left atrium, a small embryologic remnant that runs in the left atrial region near the left atrial appendage and the left superior pulmonary vein. It lies anterior to the left pulmonary veins and contains myocardial tissue with autonomic fibers, which makes it a known potential source of atrial fibrillation triggers. It does not drain into the right atrium or the inferior vena cava, nor does it lie in the right ventricle; instead, it typically communicates with the coronary sinus or left atrial structures. This combination of location and proarrhythmic potential is why that statement is correct.

The Vein of Marshall is the oblique vein of the left atrium, a small embryologic remnant that runs in the left atrial region near the left atrial appendage and the left superior pulmonary vein. It lies anterior to the left pulmonary veins and contains myocardial tissue with autonomic fibers, which makes it a known potential source of atrial fibrillation triggers. It does not drain into the right atrium or the inferior vena cava, nor does it lie in the right ventricle; instead, it typically communicates with the coronary sinus or left atrial structures. This combination of location and proarrhythmic potential is why that statement is correct.