Side matters: An intriguing case of persistent left superior vena-cava

Abstract

Persistent left superior vena cava, usually an incidental finding, is the most common thoracic vein anatomical variation draining into the coronary sinus. Central venous catheter procedures may be complicated secondary to the presence of a persistent left superior vena cava, leading to life-threatening complications such as arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, and cardiac arrest. We present a case of persistent superior vena cava diagnosed on transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) in a patient with congestive heart failure. A dilated coronary sinus was identified on TTE, followed by injection of agitated saline into the left antecubital vein resulting in filling of the coronary sinus prior to the right atrium-an indication of persistent left superior vena-cava. This also was confirmed on cardiac computed tomography. Such a diagnosis is critical in patients who may undergo central venous catheter procedures such as our patient’s potential requirement for an implantable cardiovertor defibrillator due to severe global left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The presence of a persistent left superior vena cava should always be suspected when the guidewire takes a left-sided downward course towards the right atrium at the level of the coronary sinus. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the imaging work-up prior to central venous catheter procedures.

Keywords: Persistent superior vena-cava, Thoracic vein anomaly, Central venous catheter, Coronary sinus, Left cardinal vein

Core tip: Although the diagnosis of persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) does not make a pacemaker or implantable cardiovertor-defibrillator placement impossible, it does pose significant challenges and complications during the procedure. Accordingly, when patients are being considered for such central venous catheter devices, special attention should be paid to the imaging work-up prior to implantation to identify persistent LSVC if present.