Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) connected to the left atrium.
A persistent left superior vena cava draining into the left atrium was diagnosed in an adult patient, scheduled for surgical correction of a large inferiorly located sinus venosus atrial septal defect. In the majority of cases a persistent left superior vena cava is found incidentally and causes little or no symptoms. Nevertheless, anaesthesiologist should be aware of its occurrence; because of different technical difficulties and clinical problems that can be encountered. Echocardiography plays an key role in the detection of a persistent left superior vena cava.
Vercruysse
J
J
Department of Anesthesia, University Hospital of Ghent, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. janvercruysse@telenet.be
François
K
K
De Wolf
A
A
Herregods
S
S
Bouchez
S
S
D000328:Adult; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D005260:Female; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000002:abnormalities*