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The persistent left superior vena cava: anatomical study, pathogenesis and clinical considerations

J Peltier1, C Destrieux, J Desme

  • 1Laboratoire d'Anatomie, Faculté de Médecine, Université François-Rabelais, 2 bis Boulevard Tonnelé, 37032 Tours Cedex, France. jojo.peltier@caramail.com

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|January 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) anomaly was found during dissection, alongside an abnormal vertebral artery origin. This cardiac anomaly can complicate venous catheterization procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular anatomy
  • Embryological development
  • Vascular anomalies

Background:

  • Persistence of a left superior vena cava (LSVC) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly.
  • LSVC can lead to significant complications during central venous catheterization.
  • Understanding variations in venous anatomy is crucial for interventional procedures.

Observation:

  • A case of LSVC was identified during anatomical dissection.
  • The anomaly was associated with an aberrant origin of the vertebral artery from the aortic arch.
  • The LSVC drained into the right atrium via a dilated coronary sinus ostium.

Findings:

  • Detailed external and internal morphological descriptions of the LSVC and associated vertebral artery anomaly were documented.
  • Embryological basis and potential variations of this anomaly were reviewed.
  • Absence of azygos system abnormalities was noted.

Implications:

  • The presence of LSVC poses risks during subclavian or internal jugular vein catheterization.
  • Accurate anatomical knowledge is vital for preventing iatrogenic complications.
  • Radiological and clinical implications for patient management are discussed.

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