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Persistent left superior vena cava: a case report and review of literature

Sandeep K Goyal1, Sujeeth R Punnam, Gita Verma

  • 1Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. sandeep.goyal@bmc.org

Cardiovascular Ultrasound
|October 14, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly. Its presence can complicate cardiac access and requires specific diagnostic considerations.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Congenital Anomalies
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) arises from the failure of the left superior cardinal vein to regress during embryonic development.
  • This congenital vascular anomaly is uncommon but clinically significant.

Observation:

  • PLSVC often occurs in isolation but can be associated with other cardiac defects such as atrial septal defect and bicuspid aortic valve.
  • A dilated coronary sinus on echocardiography may indicate the presence of PLSVC.

Findings:

  • The diagnosis of PLSVC is typically confirmed using saline contrast echocardiography.
  • PLSVC can impede standard right-heart access through the left subclavian vein, a common approach for pacemakers and Swan-Ganz catheters.

Implications:

  • Awareness of PLSVC is crucial for interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons.
  • Accurate diagnosis and understanding of PLSVC's impact on cardiac access are essential for patient management and procedural planning.

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