Persistent left superior vena cava

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare vascular anomaly involving the heart.

In a typical human anatomy, the superior vena cava (SVC) is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper half of the body to the right atrium of the heart.

In cases of PLSVC, an additional left-sided superior vena cava is present, which persists from embryonic development.

This condition is usually asymptomatic and often discovered incidentally during imaging studies or procedures such as central venous catheter placement.

However, it holds clinical significance due to potential complications during surgeries or catheterizations.

In most individuals with PLSVC, the left superior vena cava drains into the right atrium via the coronary sinus, maintaining normal hemodynamics.

Rarely, it may drain into the left atrium, leading to a right-to-left shunt and potential cyanosis due to mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

Diagnostic imaging, including echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can effectively identify this condition.

Understanding the presence of PLSVC is vital for healthcare providers to avoid complications during surgical procedures and to manage any associated cardiac anomalies.

While PLSVC itself may not require treatment, its recognition is important in the context of associated congenital heart diseases.