J Korean Soc Radiol.  2022 Jul;83(4):846-860. 10.3348/jksr.2021.0192.

Pictorial Essay: Understanding of Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava and Its Differential Diagnosis

• Jeong ER
• Kang EJ
• Jeun JH

• KMID: 2532198
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2021.0192

Abstract

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare congenital, thoracic, and vascular anomaly. Although PLSVCs generally do not have a hemodynamic effect, several types of PLSVC and some cardiac anomalies may manifest with clinical symptoms. The presence of PLSVC can render catheterization via left subclavian access difficult when placing a pacemaker or central venous catheter. As such, recognizing a PLSVC that is typically incidentally discovered can prevent complications such as vascular injury. Differentiating vessels found in a similar location as PLSVC is necessary when performing thoracic vascular procedures. This pictorial essay explains the multi-detector CT findings of a PLSVC, and provides a summary of other blood vessels that require differentiation during thoracic vascular procedures.

Keyword

Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava; Cardiovascular Abnormalities; Differential Diagnosis; Computed Tomography; X-Ray