Persistent left superior vena cava in a hemodialysis patient

Abstract

Awareness of persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC), a rare congenital variant is helpful to a clinician to avoid the unnecessary complications. We report a case of PLSVC in a patient with chronic kidney disease which was identified following a difficult catheterization into the right internal jugular vein (IJV). The catheterization was attempted through the left IJV and the position of which could not be confirmed with check radiograph and two-dimensional echo. PLSVC was suspected in the computed tomography angiography and was confirmed following digital subtraction angiography.

Persistent left SVC: Can nephrologist use it for dialysis

“…Our case fits into Schummer's Type III b class and based on drainage into Zhu's Type A and this combination is the most common. Many workers have reported uneventful catheterization like in our case [1][2][3]. Most of the times PLSVC drains into right atrium through coronary sinus.…”

Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava (PLSVC) with a Connection to the Azygos System: Case Report and Clinical Implications

“…Indeed, MRI provides excellent visualization of the mediastinal structures, including the vena cavae and coronary sinus. CT angiography with digital subtraction may also demonstrate PLSVC in individuals without coronary sinus dilation [9]. Cardiac catheterization is unnecessary for most patients with suspected PLSVC, but would likely show a step-down in oxygen saturation between the pulmonary veins and left atrium [10].…”