Seemann M, Zech N, Kieninger M, Graf B, Künzig H
Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Deutschland.
Anaesthesist. 2014 Mar;63(3):231-3. doi: 10.1007/s00101-014-2304-0. Epub 2014 Feb 26.
This article presents a case report on the placement of a central venous catheter (CVC) in a patient with an unknown persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC). Normally, PLSVCs remain asymptomatic but can be associated with disastrous consequences for the patient during placement of a CVC particularly due to vascular perforation and pulmonary injury. A PLSCV is particularly common in association with congenital heart defects; however, otherwise healthy patients can also be affected. As the presence of a PLSCV is normally unknown special attention must be paid in every patient during placement of a CVC.
