Incidental Detection of Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava During Lung Perfusion Scan

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Nuclear Medicine
• Congenital Anomalies

Background:

• Lung perfusion scintigraphy is vital for pulmonary embolism diagnosis.
• Unexpected vascular anomalies can be detected during these scans.
• Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare congenital anomaly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the incidental finding of PLSVC during lung perfusion scintigraphy.
• To illustrate the diagnostic utility of nuclear medicine in identifying vascular anomalies.
• To emphasize the need for adaptive imaging techniques.

Main Methods:

• Lung perfusion scintigraphy was performed in a patient with post-COVID-19 hypoxia.
• Dual-site radiotracer injections were utilized.
• SPECT/CT was employed for confirmation and detailed anatomical assessment.

Main Results:

• Incidental detection of persistent left superior vena cava during lung perfusion scintigraphy.
• PLSVC was confirmed via dual-site injections and SPECT/CT.
• The anomaly can lead to a right-to-left shunt, bypassing pulmonary circulation.

Conclusions:

• Persistent left superior vena cava can be incidentally identified using lung perfusion scintigraphy.
• Nuclear medicine imaging requires adaptive techniques to interpret atypical vascular findings.
• Accurate interpretation is crucial for patient management, especially in cases of hypoxia.