Radiology

Pathology

Neurology

Neuroradiology

Multidetector computed tomography

Interventional radiology

Psychiatry

Cardiology

Surgery

Asymptomatic

Coronary sinus

Differential diagnosis

Persistent left superior vena cava

Heterotaxy

Heart disease

Computed tomography

Medical diagnosis

Medicine

Insights into Imaging

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is the most common thoracic venous anomaly and may be a component of the complex cardiac pathologies. While it is often asymptomatic, it can lead to significant problems such as arrhythmias and cyanosis. Besides, it can cause serious complications during vascular interventional procedures or the surgical treatment of cardiac anomalies (CA). The clinical significance of PLSVC depends on the drainage site and the accompanying CA. In this article, we will describe the epidemiology, embryology, and anatomic variations of PLSVC. Possible accompanying CA and heterotaxy spectrum will be reviewed with the help of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images. Radiological pitfalls, differential diagnoses, and the clinical importance of PLSVC will be highlighted.

Persistent left superior vena cava: clinical importance and differential diagnoses