Work

Left-sided superior vena cava mimicking catheter malposition

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Central venous catheter malposition can signal a thoracic venous anomaly. We report a 56-year-old man whose LIJ catheter tracked left paramediastinally; on-table venography and CT confirmed an isolated persistent left superior vena cava draining to a dilated coronary sinus. Recognition prevented futile repositioning and permitted safe therapy. While CT/MR delineate anatomy, bedside transthoracic echocardiography, specifically adding the suprasternal notch view, with optional left-arm agitated saline, usually suffices to screen for LSVC and related variants. Operators should suspect LSVC when a left-sided catheter fails to cross midline and use targeted imaging to guide management.

Source: Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine Interesting Cases

DOI: 10.1016/j.crmic.2025.100113

Authors: Miguel Gonzalez Toribio, Johan Antonio De la Rosa Laureano, Jean Paul Fernandez

Institutions: Harvard University, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra

Language: English

Topic: Vascular anomalies and interventions

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $920