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Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava
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Inferior vena cava filter from left-sided superior vena cava

Sujit Nair1, Duncan Ettles, Graham Robinson

  • 1Department of Radiology, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull HU3 2JZ, UK. drsnnair@hotmail.com

Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology
|September 21, 2007
PubMed

Insights

A rare anatomical variation, a left-sided superior vena cava, complicated a patient with recurrent pulmonary embolism. The case demonstrates successful inferior vena cava filter placement despite this unusual venous anatomy.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Cardiology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are significant clinical challenges.
  • Recurrent PE despite anticoagulation necessitates investigation into underlying causes, including anatomical variations.

Observation:

  • A 71-year-old male presented with recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE) despite therapeutic anticoagulation.
  • Computed tomography (CT) and brachiocephalic venography identified an unusual left-sided superior vena cava (SVC).

Findings:

  • The patient had a persistent left superior vena cava, a rare congenital anomaly.
  • Successful placement of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter was achieved via the left SVC, a novel approach.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of recognizing rare anatomical variations in managing thromboembolic disease.
  • Percutaneous filter placement is feasible even with complex venous anomalies like a left SVC.
  • Successful IVC filter deployment in this scenario expands interventional options for high-risk PE patients.

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