Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
07:41

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Published on: February 8, 2022

[Diagnosis of persistent left superior vena cava in a child using transesophageal echocardiography]

Yuki Toyama1, Takayuki Kunisawa, Michio Nagashima

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Asahikawa Medical College, Asahikawa 078-8510.

Masui. the Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology
|November 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

A pediatric patient with X-linked alpha-thalassaemia experienced incorrect central venous (CV) catheter placement. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) diagnosed a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC), highlighting TEE

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Vascular Anatomy

Background:

  • Central venous catheterization is a common procedure in pediatric patients.
  • Anatomical variations can complicate central venous catheter placement.
  • X-linked alpha-thalassaemia with mental retardation syndrome presents unique clinical challenges.

Observation:

  • A central venous catheter inserted via the left subclavian vein malpositioned towards the left heart.
  • Transesophageal echocardiography revealed coronary sinus thickening, indicative of a potential anomaly.
  • Contrast echocardiography demonstrated microbubbles flowing from the coronary sinus into the right atrium.

Findings:

  • The diagnostic findings confirmed the presence of a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC).
  • The malpositioned catheter served as an indicator for further investigation.
  • Transesophageal echocardiography proved effective in diagnosing PLSVC in this pediatric case.

Implications:

  • TEE is a valuable tool for diagnosing persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) in pediatric patients with incorrect central venous catheter placement.
  • Recognition of anatomical variations like PLSVC is crucial for safe and effective central venous catheterization.
  • This case underscores the importance of advanced imaging in pediatric interventional procedures.

More Related Videos

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn11:27

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

Published on: April 7, 2023

Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography09:31

Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography

Published on: January 27, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography

Echocardiography plays a role in assessing cardiac health and detecting heart conditions, with various types providing critical insights for diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography01:17

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography

Cardiac imaging studies encompass a wide range of noninvasive and minimally invasive techniques designed to visualize the heart's structure and function in detail. One such technique is echocardiography, which uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to produce detailed images of the heart, known as echocardiograms.
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion, evaluates...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...