Table 2 Anatomical changes and possible underlying mechanisms in the presence of PLSVC
From: Persistent left superior vena cava: clinical importance and differential diagnoses
Reported anatomical changes | Possible underlying mechanisms |
|---|---|
The decrease in RSVC dimensions | Reduction of blood volume drained through RSVC |
Decrease in mitral valve area | Compression to the left atrium via dilated CS |
Atrophy of the valves of cardiac veins such as Vieussens, Thebesian | Increased blood volume draining into the CS |
The presence of a common left pulmonary vein trunk | Limited space caused by the dilated CS |
Increase in heart weight | – |