Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava with Absent Right Superior Vena Cava

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Thoracic Surgery
• Congenital Abnormalities

Background:

• Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is the most frequent congenital anomaly of thoracic systemic venous return.
• Dilated coronary sinus on echocardiography often prompts discussion of PLSVC among cardiology trainees.
• The co-occurrence of PLSVC with an absent right superior vena cava (RSVC) is less frequently encountered and understood.

Observation:

• This report details two clinical cases involving patients with both PLSVC and an absent RSVC.
• The presentation focuses on the diagnostic recognition and confirmation of this combined venous anomaly.
• Clinical relevance and management considerations for this rare condition are discussed.

Findings:

• The study highlights the diagnostic pathway for identifying combined PLSVC and absent RSVC.
• It emphasizes the importance of recognizing this specific combination of venous anomalies.
• Case examples illustrate the practical application of diagnostic methods.

Implications:

• Increased awareness of the PLSVC and absent RSVC association can improve diagnostic accuracy.
• Understanding this anomaly is crucial for appropriate clinical management and patient care.
• This presentation contributes to the literature on congenital thoracic venous anomalies.