Right Heart Catheterization Through Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava, an Extremely Rare Procedure and Review of...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is an uncommon congenital venous anomaly.
• While often asymptomatic, PLSVC can complicate invasive cardiovascular procedures.
• Limited literature addresses right heart catheterization in isolated PLSVC cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a case of isolated PLSVC with absent right superior vena cava.
• To detail the successful management of right heart catheterization in this patient.
• To underscore the importance of pre-procedural venous anatomy evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Right heart catheterization via the right internal jugular vein.
• Transthoracic echocardiography.
• Chest CT scan.

Main Results:

• Successful and safe completion of right heart catheterization.
• Diagnosis of isolated PLSVC draining to a dilated coronary sinus.
• Confirmation of venous anomaly with echocardiography and CT scan.

Conclusions:

• Isolated PLSVC requires careful pre-procedural assessment of thoracic venous anatomy.
• Right heart catheterization can be safely performed in patients with PLSVC.
• Undiagnosed PLSVC may lead to severe complications during invasive procedures.