Key Points
- To describe the radiographic presentation of persistent left superior vena cava and contrast its appearance with anomalous left vertical pulmonary vein.
- Evaluated chest radiographic findings in a case series of 12 patients with persistent left superior vena cava.
- Performed cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography via saphenous or right arm veins in 8 patients.
- Plain chest radiographs demonstrated aortic shadow widening, a paramediastinal bulge, or a paramediastinal strip or crescent along the upper left cardiac border.
- Angiocardiographic imaging produced satisfactory visualization via catheterization of either the right arm vein or saphenous vein in 8 cases.
- Radiographic presentation of persistent anomalous left vertical pulmonary vein was identified as a critical comparator for accurate differential diagnosis.
Structured PICO
PPopulation12 cases of persistent left superior vena cava
IInterventionRadiographic imaging (plain chest films, angiocardiography)
OOutcomeRadiographic findings/appearancesurrogate
Persistent left superior vena cava has distinct radiographic presentations on plain chest films and can be successfully evaluated via right arm or saphenous vein catheterization.