Partial anomalous pulmonary vein drainage of the left lower lobe: incidental diagnostic after central venous cannulation.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of partial anomalous pulmonary vein drainage of the left lower lobe diagnosed after central venous cannulation.


METHODS
Retrospective case review.


METHODS
Intensive care unit.


METHODS
A 76-yr-old woman with obstructive acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis.


METHODS
Central venous cannulation and hemodialysis.


RESULTS
The diagnosis was suggested by chest radiography after placement of a central venous catheter through the left internal jugular vein. Pressure measurements at the tip of the catheter showed a venous waveform. Oxygen blood content on samples of blood was higher than on peripheral arterial blood. Computed tomography with intravenous contrast was not conclusive. Diagnosis was confirmed with transcatheter phlebography.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important for the intensivist to be aware of this infrequent variant when a central venous catheter takes an abnormal route and drains low-pressure, arterialized blood.
Sobrinho
G
G
Unidade de Urgência Médica, Hospital de São José, Lisboa, Portugal. gsobrinho@netscape.net
Salcher
J
J
D000368:Aged; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic