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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Method for the Visualization and Assessment of Specific Parameters of the Pulmonary Veins
Published on: October 28, 2020
Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) connected to the left atrium
J Vercruysse1, K François, A De Wolf
1Department of Anesthesia, University Hospital of Ghent, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. janvercruysse@telenet.be
Abstract:
A persistent left superior vena cava draining into the left atrium was diagnosed in an adult patient, scheduled for surgical correction of a large inferiorly located sinus venosus atrial septal defect. In the majority of cases a persistent left superior vena cava is found incidentally and causes little or no symptoms. Nevertheless, anaesthesiologist should be aware of its occurrence; because of different technical difficulties and clinical problems that can be encountered. Echocardiography plays an key role in the detection of a persistent left superior vena cava.
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