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Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava
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Absent right superior vena cava

Takahiro Hayashi1, Masato Murakami1, Shigeru Saito1

  • 1Department of Cardiology Shonan Kamakura General Hospital Kamakura Japan.

Journal of General and Family Medicine
|July 5, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Anatomical variations like an isolated persistent left superior vena cava can be incidentally found during imaging before procedures. Awareness is crucial for safe central venous catheter insertion, particularly from the right side.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Anatomical Variations

Background:

  • Catheter ablation is a common cardiac procedure.
  • Central venous catheter insertion is frequently performed for various medical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of identifying an isolated persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC).
  • To emphasize the implications of PLSVC for central venous catheter placement.

Main Methods:

  • Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) was utilized.
  • Anatomical variations were identified in a patient undergoing pre-procedural imaging.

Main Results:

  • An isolated persistent left superior vena cava was incidentally discovered.
  • This anatomical abnormality was noted in a patient scheduled for catheter ablation.

Conclusions:

  • Identification of isolated PLSVC is critical before procedures requiring central venous access.
  • Clinicians should be aware of this anomaly to prevent potential complications during catheter insertion from the right jugular or subclavian veins.

Keywords:
congenital heart diseaseisolated persistent left superior vena cava

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