Abstract
In thoracic surgery, we sometimes encounter vessel anomalies. If there is no information about such a vessel anomaly preoperatively, then such a phenomenon might result in major bleeding. A persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a relatively rare congenital venous anomaly of the thoracic systemic venous return, occurring in 0.3 to 0.5% of all individuals, and in up to 12% of individuals with congenital heart abnormalities. We herein report the findings of a female in her 60s who was admitted to our hospital in order to undergo an operation for the treatment of lung cancer. Before this admission, she had never been pointed out to have any comorbidities, such as heart disease. Preoperative chest CT showed PLSVC, normal RSVC, and the absence of a right brachiocephalic vein. Due to such vessel anomalies, the surgical view was markedly different from the typical one. However, we were nevertheless able to successfully perform a left lower lobectomy with no particular problems because the information obtained from the CT findings was sufficiently understood preoperatively. Therefore, chest surgeons must pay careful attention to the presence of any vessel anomalies based on the preoperative CT findings in order to safely perform the scheduled surgical procedures.
