Flash Pulmonary Oedema Secondary to Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava

Division

Central and West Texas

Hospital

Del Sol Medical Center

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

10-30-2023

Keywords

Internal medicine, PLSVC, Persistent left superior vena cava, cardiology, critical care, gastroenterology

Disciplines

Cardiovascular Diseases | Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Internal Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

UNLABELLED: Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a common congenital anomaly of the thoracic venous system. It is usually asymptomatic and is detected when cardiovascular imaging is performed for unrelated reasons. Its presence can complicate catheter placement within the right side of the heart, as well as cardiac procedures. In most cases PLSVC can go unnoticed and only becomes pertinent when patients require cardiac imaging or surgery. Once found, it puts patients at risk for cardiac interventions. Here we present a case that highlights the practical implications of PLSVC where a patient developed flash pulmonary oedema after gastrointestinal procedures - in this case, laparoscopic cholecystectomy - as well as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Management is also discussed, leading to the resolution of symptoms. The report will also propose a pathophysiologic mechanism leading to this complication that is not well understood in the medical literature.

LEARNING POINTS: Complications of gastrointestinal procedures are not studied in patients with persistent left superior vena cava syndrome.Inform the medical community of the possible pathophysiology of flash pulmonary oedema after gastrointestinal manipulation in patients with persistent left superior vena cava syndrome.

Publisher or Conference

European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS