Bubble trail to the heart: Persistent left superior vena cava diagnosed by contrast echocardiography in a symptomatic adult female.
- Author:
Loren D.c. GABAYERON
1
;
Christie Anne PABELICO
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- MeSH: Human; Vena Cava, Superior; Population; Heart Diseases; Heart Defects, Congenital; Echocardiography; Catheterization
- From: Philippine Journal of Cardiology 2026;54(S1):11-13
- CountryPhilippines
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare but clinically relevant congenital vascular anomaly, occurring in 0.3% of the general population and up to 4.3% in those with congenital heart disease. It is usually asymptomatic and incidentally discovered during imaging, catheterization, or surgery.
CASE SUMMARYWe present the case of a 38-year-old hypertensive female who was evaluated for acute chest discomfort, palpitations and near-syncope. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a dilated coronary sinus, prompting a contrast echocardiography study that demonstrated early opacification of the coronary sinus upon left arm injection confirming the diagnosis of PLSVC.
CONCLUSIONThis case underscores the importance of recognizing coronary sinus dilatation as a potential marker of venous anomalies such as PLSVC. Contrast echocardiography with bilateral injections remains a practical, non-invasive tool in its diagnosis, with significant implications for future invasive procedures.
