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Discovery of left-sided superior vena cava during central venous catheterization
1Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital.
British Journal of Anaesthesia
|November 14, 1998
Insights
A rare congenital anomaly, persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC), was found when a central venous catheter (CVC) was mistakenly placed. Transthoracic echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis, highlighting risks for anesthesiologists.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly.
- Central venous catheter (CVC) placement is a common procedure in pediatric care.
- Anatomical variations can complicate CVC insertion and management.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old patient presented with inadvertent CVC insertion into a PLSVC.
- Transthoracic echocardiography was utilized for diagnostic confirmation.
- The anomaly was identified during the CVC placement procedure.
Findings:
- The study details a case of successful diagnosis of PLSVC using transthoracic echocardiography.
- Confirmation of catheter malpositioning within the anomalous vessel.
- Identification of the underlying congenital etiology.
Implications:
- PLSVC poses potential risks during central venous catheterization.
- Anesthesiologists must be aware of this anomaly and its implications for patient safety.
- Echocardiography is a valuable tool for diagnosing vascular anomalies and confirming catheter placement.
Abstract:
We describe a 3-yr-old patient in whom a central venous catheter (CVC) was inadvertently inserted into a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC). This congenital anomaly was diagnosed using transthoracic echocardiography. The aetiology and the implications for the anaesthetist are discussed.