Central venous catheter in a persistent left-sided superior vena cava
Presentation
Control post jugular CVC insertion.
Patient Data
CXR in expiration
The CVC is passing on the left of the thoracic spine, the tip is visible at the approximate position of the left atrium.
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.