title: Recurrent cerebral embolism associated with indwelling catheter in the presence of anomalous neck venous structures.
abstract: Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is the most common central venous anomaly in the thorax, which may remain asymptomatic throughout life. Indwelling catheters that are increasingly used in oncology practice may result in complications in the presence of PLSVC. The authors report an unusual case of recurrent ischemic attacks each time a portacath was accessed in a patient with breast cancer and PLSVC. This case highlights the importance of suspecting this condition in the presence of clinical and radiographic clues to prevent complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center North Division, Bronx, New York 10466, USA.
authors.forename: Chandrasekhar R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Dinasarapu
authors.forename: Giridhar U
authors.initials: GU
authors.lastname: Adiga
authors.forename: Sandeep
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Malik
mesh_terms: D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging