Persistent left superior vena cava accompanying congenital heart disease in children: Experience of a tertiary care center

Case Report: Persistent left superior vena cava: an incidental finding during peripherally inserted central catheter placement

Background

A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is a specialized type of long-term intravenous catheter commonly employed for administering chemotherapy. The operation and management of PICC should exclusively be carried out by trained healthcare professionals equipped with the requisite knowledge of anatomy, procedural technique and patient care. Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a vascular malformation which is typically asymptomatic in clinical presentation, almost always identified during invasive surgery or imaging examinations.

Case presentation

Herein, we detailed a case involving a breast cancer patient whose PLSVC was identified during the placement of PICC because of the negative P-wave in electrocardiogram (ECG). Subsequent examination, including chest x-ray imaging, postoperative enhanced CT of the chest, ECG, and consultation with an experienced imaging physician confirmed that the patient's variant type was PLSVC type I. 2160. Removal of the catheter was deemed unnecessary, as the catheter tip was appropriately positioned and no other concomitant cardiovascular malformations were detected.

Conclusion

The PLSVC is a vascular anomaly and is relatively uncommon within the general population. The operator should possess a thorough familiarity with the potential anatomical variations of left superior vena cava, and specialized case profile should be established for patients diagnosed with PLSVC.

A Rare Case of Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava Coexisting With Valvulopathies and Complete Heart Block

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly that is often detected incidentally during cardiovascular imaging or interventions. Coexisting PLSVC with mitral regurgitation (MR), aortic stenosis (AS), aortic regurgitation (AR), and complete heart block (CHB) are exceptionally rare and have not been reported in the literature to our knowledge. We present the case of a 50-year-old male with PLSVC coexisting with severe MR, mild AS/AR, and CHB who successfully underwent permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation and mitral valve replacement. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and tailored management strategies are crucial for achieving significant improvement in the patient's symptoms. The presence of PLSVC adds complexity to diagnosis and management, necessitating multidisciplinary collaboration for optimal patient care.

Persistent left superior vena cava without right superior vena cava during fetal life

Enlarged coronary sinus detected during cardiac examination in the prenatal period is the first finding that raises suspicion for persistent left superior vena cava. In this report, a patient was presented who was referred with the prediagnosis of cor triatriatum sinister in the antenatal period and diagnosed with isolated persistent left superior vena cava (SVC).

Accidental Diagnosis of Isolated Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava After an Elective Central Venous Access Procedure for Chronic Hemodialysis: Clinical Implications and Precautions From a Case Report

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is the most frequent thoracic venous anatomical variant in the general population. Isolated PLSVC, without formation of the right superior vena cava, is described in 10% of cases of PLSVC only. While it can be associated with congenital heart disease, arrhythmias, and premature death, adult patients with PLSVC are mostly asymptomatic, and the diagnosis is usually accidental. We present the case of a 72-year-old male with end-stage renal disease who was started on urgent hemodialysis through a temporary non-tunneled femoral central venous catheter (CVC) in the SLED (slow low-efficiency dialysis) modality and later remained dependent on hemodialysis. At this stage, placement of a tunneled CVC in the right internal jugular vein was necessary and fluoroscopy guidance was not available. There were no complications during the procedure, but postoperative conventional chest radiography revealed an inadequate positioning of the CVC tip in the left hemithorax, crossing the midline. Subsequently, the diagnosis of PLSVC was obtained by performing a thoracic angio-CT scan, confirming CVC tip positioning inside the PLSVC, and also excluded the presence of cardiac defects or additional anatomical variations of the great vessels of the thorax. Early evaluation for the creation of autologous vascular access was started under our care, and there were no mechanical or other complications associated with hemodialysis sessions during early follow-up after discharge.

Analysis of six cancer patients with persistent left superior vena cava identified during central venous access device placement via an intracavitary electrocardiogram

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare congenital anomaly. PLSVC can be associated with clinically significant atrial septal defect (ASD) or ventricular septal defect (VSD). It is usually asymptomatic and accidentally detected during invasive procedures or imaging examinations. However, whether central venous access device (CVAD) can be placed and used in patients with PLSVC is controversial. A total of six patients were diagnosed with PLSVC and confirmed by chest CT among 3391 cancer patients who underwent CVAD placement via intracavitary electrocardiogram (IC-EKG) at the Venous Access Center (VAC) from May 2019 to December 2020. The CVADs (peripherally inserted central catheter in four patients and Ports in two patients) of these six patients were left in PLSVC. We analyzed changes in the P-wave in the IC-EKG during CVAD placement and the characteristics of the body surface electrocardiogram in these patients and discussed the catheter tip position in PLSVC. All six patients showed negative P-waves in lead II via IC-EKG from the beginning of catheterization: four patients showed negative P-waves and two showed biphasic P-waves in the body surface electrocardiogram (lead III) before catheterization. CVAD function was normal and no obvious complications were observed during the treatment of these patients. The total retention time of CVADs was 1537 days. For patients with a negative P-wave in lead II via IC-EKG during catheterization, especially in those with a negative or biphasic P-wave in lead III of the body surface electrocardiogram, PLSVC should be considered. CVAD insertion in patients with type I PLSVC is safe under certain conditions, with the proper tip position in the middle to lower part of PLSVC.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of congenital thoracic systemic venous anomalies

We present the imaging findings of thoracic systemic venous anomalies diagnosed by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Persistent left superior vena cava is the commonest anomaly of the thoracic systemic veins encountered either incidentally as an isolated finding or associated with congenital heart disease. Inferior vena cava (IVC) interruption with azygos continuation is the second most common anomaly, which may also be isolated or be associated with left isomerism syndrome. The article will also discuss other rarer systemic venous anomalies including retroaortic brachiocephalic vein and IVC drainage into the left atrium. Finally, the impact of pre-procedure reporting of thoracic systemic venous anomalies on the choice of intervention and patient outcome will be addressed.

Right-sided aortic arch with complex anomalies presented with transient ischemic attack

Background:

The right-sided aortic arch (RAA) is an uncommon anatomical anomaly found in <0.1% of the adult population. In this article, we report a case of RAA anomaly with an aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA) and Kommerell’s diverticulum associated with aneurysmal dilation of the ascending aorta, left carotid artery (CCA) stenosis, and pancake kidney presented with a transient ischemic attack (TIA). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature that discusses such associations, especially in a symptomatic patient with neurological rather than tracheaesophageal symptoms and in the absence of the steal phenomenon.

Case Description:

A 52-year-old male, with a history of recurrent multiple TIAs, presented immediately after the onset of blurred vision and left-sided weakness. The initial diagnostic cerebral angiogram revealed a left CCA stenosis of <30%, with normal posterior circulation vasculature. The diagnosis of RAA was made with computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the thoracic and abdominal aorta, which revealed Type 2 RAA, with ALSA, which had a bullous dilatation at its origin that suggests Kommerell’s diverticulum. Another two findings on CTA were a persistent left-sided superior vena cava that ended in the coronary sinus and a single pelvic fused renal mass (Pancake kidney).

Conclusion:

We presented an extremely rare case of RAA with ALSA associated with a group of extra rare anomalies. Understanding the anatomical variants of RAA and its characteristics is critical to improving the management and follow-up of patients with such anomalies.

Three steps approach for preoperative evaluation of tetralogy of Fallot patients: role of 128 MDCT

Background

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common congenital cyanotic heart disease. Advances in surgical repair recently facilitate survival of the affected patients into adulthood with good quality of life. Despite imaging plays crucial role in diagnosis of TOF patients, no single diagnostic modality suffices for complete evaluation of TOF. Thus, different diagnostic tools should be used alone or in combination according to patient’s clinical question. This study aims to find out the agreement between the echocardiography and MDCT in evaluation of TOF patients prior to surgical repair.

Results

Three-step approach used in scanning TOF patients. Firstly, classic TOF findings, MDCT was comparable to echocardiography in overriding aorta (k = 0.6), VSD (k = 0.8), RVH (k = 0.4), and sub valvular pulmonary stenosis (k = 0.6). Echocardiography is superior to MDCT in evaluation of valvular stenosis (k = 0.4). MDCT was superior to echocardiography in supravalvular pulmonary stenosis. Secondary, surgical relevant findings, McGoon ratio calculated in 94.2%, small and major APCs in 45.5% and 28.5% respectively, PDA in 35% and anomalous coronary artery in 5.1%. Thirdly, other TOF-associated anomalies, common: ASD (34.3%) and RAA (28.3%), and persistent LSVC (10.3%). Uncommon: situs ambiguous (2.5 %), PAPVR (1.2%), and IVC anomalies (3.8%). MDCT was superior to echocardiography in surgical relevant findings and other TOF-associated anomalies.

Conclusion

MDCT is a crucial imaging tool for extra cardiac evaluation of TOF patients prior to surgical repair.

Tricuspid Atresia Type 1B With Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava in a Four-Month-Old Child: An Unusual Combination

Tricuspid atresia (TA) is a rare cyanotic congenital heart disease. A persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) may be associated with TA. The presence of LSVC raises important considerations for eventual repair, in that it may lead to persistent arterial desaturation even after corrective surgery, if associated with an unroofed coronary sinus. Here, we present the case of a four-month-old child who was diagnosed with TA type 1B, LSVC and a dilated coronary sinus by transthoracic echocardiography.

Rare case of right ventricular dilatation associated with anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, sinus venosus atrial septal defect and persistent left superior vena cava

A 34-year-old woman was seen in the emergency department for shortness of breath and chest pain. During a pandemic, it is easy to 'think horses and not zebras', and with a patient presenting with the classic coronavirus symptoms it would have been easy to jump to that as her diagnosis. After a careful history and examination, it became clear that there was another underlying diagnosis. Chest X-ray, echocardiogram and CT scan revealed marked right ventricular dilatation and pulmonary hypertension, alongside a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC). Further investigation with cardiac MRI and coronary angiography at a tertiary centre demonstrated that she not only have a PLSVC but also a partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage and sinus venosus atrial septal defect. This case highlights the importance of considering all differentials and approaching investigations in a logical manner.

Implantation of a Dual-Chamber Automatic Cardioverter Defibrillator in a Patient with Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: Case Report and Brief Literature Review

Persistence of the left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a congenital anomaly reported in 0.3–0.5% of patients. Due to the multiple and complex anatomical variations, transvenous lead placement can become challenging. We report the case of a 47-year-old patient diagnosed with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF—27%), who was referred to our clinic for implantation of a dual-chamber cardioverter defibrillator for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. During the procedure we encountered an abnormal guidewire trajectory and after venographic examination we established the diagnosis of persistent left superior vena cava. After difficult implantation of a 7F defibrillation lead through the coronary sinus, we managed to place the atrial lead through a narrow brachiocephalic vein into the right atrial appendage. In this paper, we aim to illustrate the medical and technical implications of implanting a cardioverter defibrillator in patients with PLSVC, highlighting the benefit of identifying and utilizing both the innominate vein, and the left superior vena cava and coronary sinus for placement of multiple leads, which would otherwise have been impossible.

Persistent left superior vena cava: clinical importance and differential diagnoses

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is the most common thoracic venous anomaly and may be a component of the complex cardiac pathologies. While it is often asymptomatic, it can lead to significant problems such as arrhythmias and cyanosis. Besides, it can cause serious complications during vascular interventional procedures or the surgical treatment of cardiac anomalies (CA). The clinical significance of PLSVC depends on the drainage site and the accompanying CA. In this article, we will describe the epidemiology, embryology, and anatomic variations of PLSVC. Possible accompanying CA and heterotaxy spectrum will be reviewed with the help of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images. Radiological pitfalls, differential diagnoses, and the clinical importance of PLSVC will be highlighted.

Persistent left superior vena cava accompanying repaired tetralogy of Fallot: Does it pose a challenge for device implantation?

Persistent left superior vena cava is a thoracic venous return anomaly. Tetralogy of Fallot is one of the most common congenital anomalies seen with persistent left superior vena cava. We are presenting a successful cardiac resynchronisation therapy device implantation in a patient with repaired tetralogy of Fallot and persistent left superior vena cava combination which has not been previously reported in the literature.

Autopsy findings of an isolated persistent left superior vena cava in an intrauterine dead fetus

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is one of the cardiac system abnormalities with a 0.3-0.5% incidence and caused by inadequate obliteration of the left anterior cardinal vein during embryonic development. Prognosis of PLSVC is generally assumed to be good if it is not accompanied by other cardiac system abnormalities. During the routine ultrasound control of a patient at 25th week of pregnancy at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Mersin University, PLSVC anomaly was detected in an intrauterine fetus. Then, intrauterine death occurred and after removal of the deceased fetus, PLSVC diagnosis was confirmed by autopsy. According to the autopsy findings, right superior vena cava (SVC) and azygos vein were found in normal course. PLSVC opened into the right atrium via enlarged coronary sinus. There was no connection between the two SVCs. On the left side of posterior mediastinum, instead of hemiazygos or accessory hemiazygos veins, a vein symmetrical to azygos was opened into PLSVC, similar to the one on the right. No other cardiac anomaly associated with PLSVC or any other pathology in the other parts of body that could be responsible for death was discovered during autopsy. There was no evidence indicating that PLSVC played any role in intrauterine exitus of the present case. However, as mentioned in the literature, the ectopic beats in the atrium wall of patients with isolated PLSVC and enlarged coronary sinus may lead to pathologies in the conduction system of the heart. Considering the intrauterine death of an isolated PLSVC case associated with cardiac conduction pathologies, we recommend that the common assumption of 'isolated PLSVC is not associated with death' should be reviewed by studies on large series and even intrauterine cases should be closely monitored for cardiac arrhythmia.

Left superior vena cava: cross-sectional imaging overview

Persistent left-sided superior vena cava (PLSVC) is the commonest systemic venous anomaly in the thorax with a reported prevalence of up to 0.5% in otherwise normal population and up to 10% in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). In the absence of associated CHD, it is usually asymptomatic, discovered incidentally. It may complicate catheter or pacemaker lead placement. PLSVC typically drains into the right atrium through the coronary sinus. In children with CHD, the presence of a PLSVC may affect the choice of certain surgical procedures. PLSVC is significantly more common in association with situs ambiguous than with situs solitus or inversus, up to 60-70%. In patients with situs ambiguous, the drainage of LSVC is variable, more commonly directly into the atria rather than through the coronary sinus (CS). Rarely, there is a PLSVC draining into the CS with absent right SVC. PLSVC draining into the right atrium via the CS will not usually cause blood shunting between the right and the left sides. However, shunting occurs when PLSVC is associated with unroofed CS, or when it directly drains into the left atrium. With an increased use of CT and MRI for chest and cardiac imaging, PLSVC is being more encountered by radiologists than before. In this article, we will discuss the embryology of PLSVC, its anatomic course and drainage pathways, as well as its clinical relevance and relation to congenital heart disease and viscero-atrial situs.

Aberrant Left Brachiocephalic Vein versus Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava without Bridging Vein in Adults: Evaluation on Computed Tomography

Objective: Persistent left superior vena cava without bringing vein (PLSVC w/o BV) is a common thoracic venous anomaly, while aberrant left brachiocephalic vein (ALBCV) is an uncommon condition. We compared the incidences of the two venous anomalies and assessed congenital cardiovascular diseases (CCDs) in adults using computed tomography (CT).

Materials and Methods: We reviewed the recorded reports or CT images of 49,494 adults for PLSVC w/o BV and ALBCV in two hospitals. We determined incidences of two venous anomalies and the rate of associated CCDs.

Results: 76 PLSVCs w/o BV and 27 ALBCVs were found. The incidence of PLSVC w/o BV was 0.15% and the incidence of ALBCV was 0.055%. PLSVC w/o BV had higher incidence than ALBCV (p<0.001). Four PLSVCs w/o BV and one ALBCV were associated with congenital heart diseases. Two PLSVCs w/o BV and four ALBCVs were associated with congenital aortic arch anomaly (CAAA). ALBCV had higher incidence of associated CAAA than PLSVC w/o BV (P=0.02).

Conclusion: The incidence of ALBCV was <50% that of PLSVC w/o BV. The two venous anomalies found on CT during adulthood were rarely associated with CCDs.