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Persistent left superior vena cava complicating hemodynamic monitoring catheterization
Critical Care Medicine
|January 1, 1978
Insights
Diagnosing a persistent left superior vena cava is possible using chest X-rays. Catheter positions in two patients revealed characteristic configurations, aiding in identifying this rare congenital anomaly.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare congenital anomaly.
- Right heart catheterization is a common diagnostic procedure.
Observation:
- Two cases involving flow-directed, balloon-tipped catheterization of the right heart via PLSVC were analyzed.
- Monitoring catheters adopted similar, unusual configurations on chest X-rays.
Findings:
- The characteristic radiographic appearance of transvenous catheters coursing through PLSVC can be identified.
- This specific catheter configuration serves as a diagnostic marker for PLSVC on plain films.
Implications:
- Radiologists and cardiologists can diagnose PLSVC using standard chest roentgenograms.
- Early recognition of PLSVC can prevent potential complications during cardiac procedures.
Abstract:
Two cases of flow-directed, balloon-tipped catheterizations of the right heart via a persistent left superior vena cava are presented. In both cases, the monitoring catheters assumed similar, atypical configurations on plain chest roentgenograms. Recognition of the characteristic configuration of the course of transvenous catheters through the persistent left superior vena cava allows for plain film diagnosis of this anomaly.