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Case Reports
. 2012 May;15(2):61-66.
doi: 10.1002/j.2205-0140.2012.tb00228.x. Epub 2015 Dec 31.

Persistent left superior vena cava - considerations in fetal, pediatric and adult populations

Sumi Saha  1 , Debra Paoletti  2 , Meiri Robertson  3
Affiliations
Case Reports

Persistent left superior vena cava - considerations in fetal, pediatric and adult populations

Sumi Saha et al. Australas J Ultrasound Med. 2012 May.

Abstract

Persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) is the commonest congenital anomaly of the thoracic venous system. It is within the group of anomalous systemic venous return (ASVR) and the group is subdivided in cephalic, involving the superior vena cava (SVC) and caudal, involving the inferior vena cava (IVC) types. It is also important to recognise that there can be a persistent LSVC with or without a normal right superior vena cava (RSVC). In most cases, a persistent LSVC drains into the right atrium via the coronary sinus without any clinical symptoms. In this article we discuss embryology, diagnostic and further management approaches and a review of the literature related to persistent LSVC.

Keywords: embryology; fetal echocardiography; inferior vena cava; superior vena cava.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Three‐vessel view with normal configuration of pulmonary trunk (P), ductus arteriosus (DA), aorta (Ao), and RSVC on the right of the aorta.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Three‐vessel view with supernumerary vessel (LSVC) to the left of the pulmonary trunk (P) and aorta (Ao).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Three‐vessel view with persistent LSVC on the left of the pulmonary trunk (P) with an absent RLSV.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Oblique parasagittal view of the persistent LSVC and dilated coronary sinus (CS). Left atrium (LA), right atrium (RA).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Dilated coronary sinus. Aortic root (A), left Atrium (LA), coronary sinus (CS).
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References

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