Brazilian Journal of Nephrology ()

Persistence of left superior vena cava: a rare cause of hemodialysis tunneled catheter malposition

  • Afonso Santos,
  • Ana Gaspar,
  • Anna Lima,
  • Catarina Brás,
  • Pedro Campos,
  • Célia Madeira,
  • Ana Nassauer Mónica,
  • Karina Soto

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/2175-8239-jbn-2020-0263

Abstract

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Abstract Hemodialysis central venous catheter (CVC) insertion can be complicated in patients with anomalous vessel anatomy. In such cases detailed knowledge of thoracic vessel anatomy is necessary to identify the exact location of the catheter. Central venous placement under ultrasound control has significantly reduced the complications associated with blind puncture and allows an appropriate puncture of the desired vessel, but the CVC can still get misplaced if it follows an anomalous route. Herein, we report a case of dialysis catheter placed into a left sided superior vena cava, only diagnosed after CT scan study.

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