scholarly journals Persistent Left Sided Superior Vena Cava: The Perplexity of Picc

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Intan Bazilah Abu Baka ◽  
Ai Ping Phuar ◽  
Li Shyan Ch’ng ◽  
Zulkifli Zaki Abdul Ghani

Introduction: Persistent left superior vena cava is a rare anatomic anomaly, found only about 0.3-0.5% of the general population. On top of that, about 12% of patient has associated congenital cardiac anomaly. Typically, this anomaly is found as an incidental finding as patient is generally asymptomatic. However, it is important to recognize such anomaly in order to avoid complication during placement of central venous catheter. Case report: We herein report a case of an incidental finding of persistent left sided superior vena cava (SVC) upon insertion of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Initial difficulty and perplexity during insertion of PICC with the tip of catheter keep pointing towards the left side of the heart leads us to proceed with central venogram that confirmed such anomaly.

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicki L. Mabry ◽  
Anne T. Mancino ◽  
Sheila Cox Sullivan

Abstract This is a case report of an incidental diagnosis of persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC). The diagnosis was suspected after a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) was placed and a postinsertion chest radiograph was conducted. PLSVC is a vascular anomaly that is usually diagnosed as an incidental finding. Here, we discuss the tests performed to confirm the diagnosis and the 3 variants of PLSVC. Nurses who place PICCs are likely to run across this abnormality on postinsertion chest radiograph and knowing the diagnostic test to order to confirm the diagnosis is key in expediting patient care.


2003 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Dionisio ◽  
C. Borsetti ◽  
M. Valenti ◽  
E. Caramello ◽  
R. Bergia ◽  
...  

The persistence of a left superior vena cava is the result of a lack of an embryological involution of the left anterior cardinal vein. This anomaly is very rare: about 0.3% of the general population. Its incidence increases remarkably from 3–10% in those patients affected with congenital heart disease. Described herein is a case of persistent left superior vena cava, discovered by chance, following the placement of a central venous catheter for hemodialysis. A chest X-ray in projection back-forward showed the central venous catheter along the left sternal margin simulating a placement in the aorta artery. This clinical picture, as described in the literature, is often accompanied by other anatomical anomalies, in our case, by the congenital agenesis of a solitary pelvic kidney. In agreement with the literature and in contrast with what has been reported recently, we sustain that a central venous catheter placed, for any reason, in the persistent left superior vena cava must be removed immediately because it can induce hyperkinetic arrhythmia and cardiac arrest as in our case. Our case report should be a warning that lack of awareness of the anomalies of the big central veins can cause a rise in morbidity.


2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 478-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osamu Imataki ◽  
Hiroyuki Kubo ◽  
Yukiko Hamasaki ◽  
Maki Oku ◽  
Jun-ichiro Kida ◽  
...  

Persistent left superior vena cava is a congenital vascular anomaly, which is possibly arrhythmogenic and thrombogenic, rarely complicated with coronary sinus atresia. We treated a 42-year-old male with Hodgkin's lymphoma requiring central venous catheter placement for intensive chemotherapy. Persistent left superior vena cava was revealed after the insertion of the central venous catheter by the radiological finding of the catheter tip cannulated into the vena cava cavity. The relationship between coronary sinus atresia and persistent left superior vena cava induced by central venous catheterization remains unclear; however, the hematologist should pay attention to the malpositioning of the central venous catheter.


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