Insertion of a non-tunneled catheter for hemodyalisis in the persistent left superior vein cava: incidental finding

Luis R. Álvarez-Velazquez, Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital General de Zona No 83, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico
Julio C. Mora-Pérez, Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital General de Zona No 83, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico
Juan C. Flores-Rodríguez, Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital General de Zona No 27, Cuautla, Morelos, Mexico
Luis R. Álvarez-Bribiesca, Servicio Urgencias, Clínica ISSSTE La Piedad, Michoacán, Mexico

For patients receiving hemodialysis, central venous catheters are essential. There are anatomical variations, present in a small percentage of the population. It is commonly suspected after vascular access placement with an unusual catheter course on chest radiograph, such as persistent left superior vena cava. We present the case of a patient with a previously undiagnosed persistent left superior vena cava, who has had uneventful hemodialysis catheter insertions through the internal jugular veins.

Keywords: Persistent left superior vena cava. Hemodialysis. Congenital anomaly. Vascular access.