Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava Discovered During Catheter Placement on Hemodialysis Initiation： A Case Report

Key Points

• To report the occurrence of a persistent left superior vena cava during catheter placement in a hemodialysis initiation case.
• Case report of an 82-year-old female with diabetes-related chronic kidney disease stage 5 undergoing hemodialysis initiation.
• Performed catheter placement via left internal jugular vein and assessed catheter position with chest X-ray and contrast CT.
• Followed by catheter replacement in the right internal jugular vein and installation of an arteriovenous shunt for stable vascular access.
• Persistent left superior vena cava was identified with catheter tip located in the coronary sinus.
• Catheter replacement and arteriovenous shunt installation led to effective vascular access resolution.
• Highlighting the importance of recognizing PLSVC during catheter placement to avoid complications.