Persistent left superior vena cava
Encyclopedia
In anatomy
, a persistent left superior vena cava
(PLSVC) is the most common variation of the thoracic venous system, is prevalent in 0.3% of the population, and an embryologic
remnant that results from a failure to involute
.
does not develop fully and the left upper limb
and head & neck drain into the right atrium
via the coronary sinus
.
The variation, in isolation, is considered benign, but is very frequently associated with cardiac abnormalities (e.g. ventricular septal defect
, atrioventricular septal defect
) that have a significant mortality
and morbidity. It is more frequent in patients with congenital heart defects.
Anatomy
Anatomy is a branch of biology and medicine that is the consideration of the structure of living things. It is a general term that includes human anatomy, animal anatomy , and plant anatomy...
, a persistent left superior vena cava
Superior vena cava
The superior vena cava is truly superior, a large diameter, yet short, vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper half of the body to the heart's right atrium...
(PLSVC) is the most common variation of the thoracic venous system, is prevalent in 0.3% of the population, and an embryologic
Embryology
Embryology is a science which is about the development of an embryo from the fertilization of the ovum to the fetus stage...
remnant that results from a failure to involute
Involution (medicine)
-Thymus:The thymus continues to grow between birth and puberty and then begins to atrophy, a process directed by the high levels of circulating sex hormones. Proportional to thymic size, thymic activity is most active before puberty. Upon atrophy, the size and activity are dramatically reduced,...
.
Presentation
In PLSVC, the left brachiocephalic veinBrachiocephalic vein
The left and right brachiocephalic veins in the upper chest are formed by the union of each corresponding internal jugular vein and subclavian vein...
does not develop fully and the left upper limb
Upper limb
The upper limb or upper extremity is the region in an animal extending from the deltoid region to the hand, including the arm, axilla and shoulder.-Definition:...
and head & neck drain into the right atrium
Right atrium
The right atrium is one of four chambers in the hearts of mammals and archosaurs...
via the coronary sinus
Coronary sinus
The coronary sinus is a collection of veins joined together to form a large vessel that collects blood from the myocardium of the heart. It is present in all mammals, including humans...
.
The variation, in isolation, is considered benign, but is very frequently associated with cardiac abnormalities (e.g. ventricular septal defect
Ventricular septal defect
A ventricular septal defect is a defect in the ventricular septum, the wall dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart.The ventricular septum consists of an inferior muscular and superior membranous portion and is extensively innervated with conducting cardiomyocytes.The membranous...
, atrioventricular septal defect
Atrioventricular septal defect
Atrioventricular septal defect or atrioventricular canal defect , previously known as "common atrioventricular canal" or "endocardial cushion defect", is characterized by a deficiency of the atrioventricular septum of the heart...
) that have a significant mortality
Death
Death is the permanent termination of the biological functions that sustain a living organism. Phenomena which commonly bring about death include old age, predation, malnutrition, disease, and accidents or trauma resulting in terminal injury....
and morbidity. It is more frequent in patients with congenital heart defects.
External links
- Radiograph of a persistent left SVC — learningradiology.com.