Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: Why is Prenatal Diagnosis Important?

Abstract

Objective To investigate fetal anomalies and pregnancy outcomes in pregnancies with persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) to provide assistance in prenatal counseling. Methods Cases diagnosed with PLSVC between January 2015 and January 2020 were obtained from the hospital’s electronic system and were analyzed retrospectively. Results Twenty-seven cases were analyzed. The prevalence of PLSVC among congenital heart diseases (CHD) was 6.9%. Conotruncal anomalies and renal anomalies were the most common accompanying cardiac and extracardiac anomalies, respectively. Chromosomal abnormality was detected in one fetus.In the postpartum period coarctation of aorta (CoA) was found in one fetus. Conclusions When PLSVC is detected during prenatal ultrasonography, fetal anatomy should be carefully examined because of the anomalies that may accompany it. Prenatal genetic counseling should be given especially to cases with additional anomalies. In isolated cases, cardiac anatomy should be evaluated with repeated echocardiography because of the risk of CoA.