Central Venous Catheterization Via Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava

Although the use of central venous cannulation has been increasing in recent years, it can produce serious complications such as hemothorax, pneumothorax, arterial puncture, and malposition of the catheter. Therefore, post-procedure chest radiograph must be obtained to confirm correct placement of the catheter and to exclude pneumothorax or hemothorax. We experienced an abnormal course of left subclavian catheter along the left border of the heart on post-procedure chest radiograph. Here we report a case of persistent left superior vena cava detected by hemodialysis catheterization in a patient with acute renal failure after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.