Detection of a Left Superior Vena Cava during a Pacemaker Implantation in Cotonou

Abstract EN

Persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) is a rare congenital anomaly.

Its prevalence in the general population is 0.1 to 0.5%.

LSVC is 5 times rarer when accompanied by an absence of the right superior vena cava (RSVC).

We present the case of a 54-year-old man who carries a persistent LSVC without RSVC.

Clinically, this patient presented a regular bradycardia at 40 per minute associated with a heart failure syndrome.

The electrocardiogram diagnosed a complete atrioventricular block and transthoracic echocardiography showed dilated left heart cavities and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 50%.

During the procedure of pacemaker implantation, the probe followed an unusual LSVC-coronary sinus-right atrium path and it was not easy to pass through the tricuspid orifice.

We propose a review of the literature on this subject, focusing on the clinical implications of this malformation in cardiac stimulation and in other areas of cardiology.