Central venous catheter in a persistent left-sided superior vena cava
Diagnosis certain
Presentation
Control post jugular CVC insertion.
Patient Data
Age: 45 years
Gender: Female
CXR in expiration
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The CVC is passing on the left of the thoracic spine, the tip is visible at the approximate position of the left atrium.
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Representative trimmed multiplanar reconstructions of a several years earlier CT explain the x-ray apperance, showing the course of the persistent left superior vena cava. In thhis case the left SVC is isolated, as no right-sided SVC can be seen. Drainage is provided via the coronary sinus into the right atrium.
Case Discussion
A puzzling, left-sided course of a CVC is most likely caused by a persistent left superior vena cava. Prior cross-sectional imaging is invaluable by confirming the anatomical variation.