Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: A Rare Finding for the Internists

A case of a South Asian quinquagenarian gentleman is reported, who was admitted with septic shock and displayed a TYPE II persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) after insertion of a central venous catheter, diagnosed on the basis of chest X-ray findings and dilated coronary sinus on transthoracic echocardiography. As the patient was in septic shock, the central venous catheter was retained and vasopressor therapy was instituted with careful hemodynamic monitoring. No immediate or delayed complications attributable to the catheter were observed. Treating physicians should be aware of a possible PLSVC, particularly when a guide wire or a catheter takes a left parasternal course. Key Words: Persistent left superior vena cava, Septic shock, Central venous catheter.