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CCSVI and persistent left superior vena cava

Posted: Thu Aug 22, 2013 7:08 pm
by Cece
http://phl.sagepub.com/content/early/20 ... 2040.short
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in a patient with chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency and persistent left superior vena cava

T Lupattelli*⇑
F Benassi†
E Righi‡
P Bavera§
G Bellagamba**

Abstract

Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is a syndrome characterized by stenoses of the internal jugular veins (IJVs) and/or azygos veins and formation of collateral venous channels. A case of a 57-year-old patient with CCSVI in whom the venous outflow from the left IJV to the right atrium occurred through a venous anomaly, the persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC), is reported. PLSVC is caused by persistence of the left anterior cardinal vein that drains blood from the limb effluent from the left and the left side of head and neck into coronary sinus (Type a), or in the left atrium (Type b). PLSVC can be associated either with innominate vein hypoplasia or other congenital heart abnormalities. Because of evidence of left innominate vein hypoplasia, angioplasty was not performed using the ordinary route but passing with the balloon directly through the PLSVC up to the left IJV. Finally, angioplasty was carried out in a standard manner in the right IJV as well as in the azygous vein. Confirmation angiogram revealed complete reopening of all treated vessels with no evidence of peri- and postoperative complications. The patient was discharged home the following day in good general conditions. PLSVC is a rare congenital vein anomaly but in case of concomitant innominate vein hypoplasia may prove to be a valuable alternative to treat patients with IJV diseases.
This was a case study of a patient with innominate vein hypoplasia and something called persistent left superior vena cava. During embryological development, the left anterior cardinal vein was supposed to develop into something else but instead it stuck around. PLSVC can be associated with innominate vein hypoplasia, so that would likely indicate that the innominate vein hypoplasia was present embryologically during development. I found this interesting because when something goes wrong (innominate vein hypoplasia), the body tries to adapt (by keeping the left superior cardinal vein in use). It's not clear if there is any adverse effect to having PLSVC. In the case study, this route was used as an alternative route for the catheter to reach the left internal jugular vein.

Also if it's known that PLSVC is associated with innominate vein hypoplasia, then that means that there has been scientific interest in innominate vein hypoplasia, and maybe there's something in the literature. Often it seems as if all our veins of interest (jugular, azygous, lumbar veins, compressed renal vein, vertebral veins) have never interested anyone before, scientifically speaking.

Re: CCSVI and persistent left superior vena cava

Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 5:15 am
by pairOdime
This is interesting.....related to vena cava flow restriction...
Vena cava compression: An increase in the resistance of the vena cava, as occurs when the thoracic vena cava becomes compressed during a Valsalva maneuver or during late pregnancy, decreases return.