A PERSISTENT LEFT SUPERIOR VENA CAVA

Abstract

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a congenital anomaly of great thoracic vessels with an estimated incidence of 0.3-0.5% in the normal population. The anomaly is incidentally encountered on cross sectional imaging for another indication or during intravenous catheterization or placement of pacemaker or defibrillator leads. A rare case of persistent left superior vena cava draining into the right atrium through the coronary sinus is presented with a discussion of the embryology, morphologic forms, and clinical significance of the persistent left superior vena cava.