title: Transesophageal echocardiography and vascular ultrasound in the diagnosis of catheter-related persistent left superior vena cava thrombosis.
abstract: We refer to a very rare case of catheter-related thrombosis in a trauma patient with persistent left and absent right superior vena cava. The role of ultrasound examination in the early diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis in the setting of intensive care unit (ICU) is thoroughly discussed. A 30-year-old man was admitted to the ICU due to multiple trauma. Six days after right internal jugular vein (IJV) catheter insertion, and during a vascular ultrasound examination, an IJV catheter-related thrombosis was diagnosed. Hence, the catheter was removed, and a follow-up ultrasound examination revealed thrombus remnant in the IJV extended into brachiocephalic vein. Subsequently, to exclude a possible extension of the thrombus in the superior vena cava, a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examination was performed. The latter revealed a distended coronary sinus and the presence of persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC). Additionally, TEE examination disclosed thrombus remnant within the PLSVC that was also confirmed with CT venography. Anticoagulant therapy was started thus preventing major complications such as coronary sinus obstruction. This case underlines the role of cardiovascular ultrasound examination as an important tool in performing variety of monitoring in the setting of the ICU.
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Anaesthesia and cardiovascular critical care, University of Athens, Attikon Hospital, Greece. saranteas@ath.forthnet.gr
authors.forename: Theodosios
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Saranteas
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mandila
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Poularas
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Papanikolaou
authors.forename: Alexandros
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Patriankos
authors.forename: Dimitrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Karakitsos
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karabinis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016121:Brachiocephalic Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*