persistent left superior vena cava
Congenital vascular variant where the left superior vena cava fails to regress during development, often draining into the coronary sinus.
Full Definition
A common congenital venous anomaly occurring in approximately 0.3% of the general population, where the embryonic left superior vena cava persists instead of regressing normally during development. Most commonly, the persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) drains into the right atrium via a dilated coronary sinus, though rarely it may drain into the left atrium causing right-to-left shunting. The condition is often discovered incidentally during central line placement when contrast appears to take an unusual course on fluoroscopy. While usually asymptomatic as an isolated finding, PLSVC can be associated with other cardiac anomalies and may complicate cardiac procedures requiring venous access or pacing lead placement.
Usage
Usage note: Usually benign when draining to coronary sinus; concerning when draining to left atrium due to right-to-left shunt.
In Context
- "Central line placement revealed persistent left superior vena cava with drainage to a markedly dilated coronary sinus." — Interventional radiology report
- "Echocardiography confirmed persistent left superior vena cava as an isolated finding without associated cardiac anomalies." — Pediatric cardiology consultation