Left Superior Vena Cava Draining to Left Atrium: a Case Report, Review of the Literature, and Classification

Abstract

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) draining to the left atrium (LA) is a rare congenital abnormality. PLSVC usually drains into the right atrium via the coronary sinus. In 20% of patients, however, it can connect to the LA [1]. Left atrial drainage occurs through the LA appendage, left pulmonary veins, or the coronary sinus. Patients are often asymptomatic as the left atrial drainage does not result in a significant right to left shunt. As such, the abnormality is often discovered incidentally on imaging. PLSVC is often described in conjunction with other congenital anomalies, such as atrial septal defect (ASD), tetralogy of fallot, and coarctation of the aorta [2]. When PLSVC draining to the LA is present in the setting of an ASD, it is classified as Raghib’s syndrome. However, this case describes a PLSVC draining to the LA without an ASD or a right SVC, a presentation which has never before been described.