title: Bedside confirmation of a persistent left superior vena cava based on aberrantly positioned central venous catheter on chest radiograph.
abstract: This is a report of incidental diagnosis of a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) based on an abnormal positioning of central venous catheter seen on chest radiograph and an abnormal pressure waveform. Non-invasive bedside tests included venography with simultaneous chest radiograph and a transthoracic echocardiography with an agitated saline microbubble contrast. These tests led to the diagnosis of PLSVC. Although PLSVC is the most common venous thoracic anomaly that produces a diagnostic dilemma, not many anaesthetists and intensivists are familiar with its appearance, diagnosis and implications. The clinical significance of PLSVC and diagnostic options are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia and Surgical Intensive Care, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore. nghadiali2003@yahoo.com
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ghadiali
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Teo
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sheah
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D011859:Radiography; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging