What does persistent left superior vena cava mean?

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is the most common congenital malformation of the thoracic venous return and is present in 0.3 to 0.5% of individuals in the general population with a normal heart, and 4.5% in individuals with congenital heart diseases.

Where does LSVC drain?

In only 8% of patients, the LSVC drains into the left atrium [2]. In almost all cases, this variation is asymptomatic; however, it can lead, in some patients in whom the shunt is important, to cyanosis and eventually to some life-threatening complications such as cerebral abscess [3].

What causes PLSVC?

PLSVC results when the left superior cardinal vein caudal to the innominate vein fails to regress. In most cases, there is a normal right superior vena cava.

Is PLSVC hereditary?

When no other genetic reason is found to explain the PLSVC, the risk of this happening again is extremely low. If there is a genetic reason, then the risk depends on the risk of recurrence of that diagnosis.

What is persistent LSVC?

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.

How is superior vena cava syndrome diagnosed?

A plain chest x-ray may show abnormal enlargement of the mediastinum or may reveal a tumor in the lung. Ultrasound may be used to look for blood clots in the arm leading into the chest. Computerized tomography (CT) scanning of the chest is most often used to diagnose superior vena cava syndrome.

What is superior vena cava syndrome?

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a group of problems caused when blood flow through the superior vena cava (SVC) is slowed down. The SVC is a large vein that drains blood away from the head, neck, arms, and upper chest and into the heart.

What is the caudal vena cava?

The caudal vena cava transports all the blood from caudal (inferior) to the diaphragm back to the right atrium of the heart. It begins where the two common iliac veins join in the caudal (inferior) abdominal region.

What is the treatment for superior vena cava syndrome?

The main treatment for SVCS is to treat the cancer that is causing it with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However, other things can be done to alleviate the symptoms. Your doctor might prescribe corticosteroids to reduce swelling or diuretics to remove excess fluid from your body by increasing urination.

What is the most common cause of superior vena cava syndrome?

SVCS is most often seen in people with cancer. It’s most common with lung cancer or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Far less often, it’s linked to other causes, such as infection or a blood clot in the SVC caused by an implanted medical device. The device may be a central catheter, dialysis catheter, or pacemaker wire.

What are persistent left superior vena cava ( lsvc )?

A persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) is a form of anomalous systemic venous drainage identified in 4.4% of children with CHD, most frequently those with septal defects. 224 It represents a remnant of the left anterior cardinal vein that typically obliterates during development.

How many fetuses are diagnosed with PLSVC?

This retrospective study included 54 fetuses with confirmed PLSVC who were diagnosed based on the presence of an additional vessel identified to the left of the pulmonary artery in the three-vessel view of the heart.

What is the clinical significance of persistent lsvc?

The clinical significance of a persistent LSVC has also been recognised by cardiothoracic surgeons. The presence of persistent LSVC is a relative contraindication to the administration of retrograde cardioplegia. Retrograde cardioplegia through persistent LSVC may lead to inadequate myocardial perfusion and therefore be ineffective. 23

Is there a difference between rsvc and lsvc?

The absence of the RSVC with persistent LSVC is less common and bilateral absent SVCs the least common. Persistent LSVC is associated with congenital heart disease (CHD) and other abnormalities, making the prenatal diagnosis of a persistent LSVC an indication for a detailed assessment of the fetus.