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Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava
Published on: January 13, 2023
Congenitally persistent left superior vena cava: a possible unpleasant problem during invasive procedures
1Interventional Cardiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, Rovigo General Hospital, Rovigo, Italy. jackyheart@hotmail.com
Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine (Hagerstown, Md.)
|June 15, 2007
Summary
Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a common thoracic vein anomaly. Awareness of PLSVC is crucial for managing cardiovascular procedures and potential complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Radiology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is the most common thoracic vein anomaly.
- It occurs in approximately 0.5% of the general population and is more prevalent in patients with congenital heart disease (2-5%).
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by PLSVC during cardiovascular interventions.
- To emphasize the importance of awareness among various medical specialists.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis is often incidental during central venous access, cardiac catheterization, or electrophysiological procedures.
- Echocardiography aids in initial identification, with CT and MRI providing definitive diagnosis.
- Treatment varies from surgical ligation to transcatheter closure for isolated anomalies.
Main Results:
- PLSVC can complicate invasive diagnostic and therapeutic cardiovascular procedures.
- Its incidence is higher in specific congenital heart conditions like pulmonary atresia and D-transposition.
- Complex congenital heart diseases require more extensive surgical repairs.
Conclusions:
- Medical specialists including anesthesiologists, cardiologists, and surgeons must be aware of PLSVC.
- Understanding the potential technical difficulties associated with PLSVC is vital for patient management.
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