Slow pathway ablation for atrioventricular nodal reentry using a right internal jugular vein approach: a case series

BACKGROUND: Inferior venous access to the right heart is not possible in some patients due to congenital or acquired obstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC). Although right-sided electrophysiology procedures have been performed successfully in patients with a previously placed IVC filter by direct placement of catheters through the filter, an alternative approach is necessary in some patients. METHODS: This case series describes three patients with an IVC filter who underwent successful ablation of the slow pathway for typical atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardia using a superior vena cava (SVC) approach via the right internal jugular (IJ) vein. Two separate introducer sheaths were placed into the IJ vein using separate punctures. This permitted placement of a standard deflectable ablation catheter and an additional catheter in the right atrium to monitor for ventriculoatrial conduction during the junctional rhythm associated with ablation of the slow AV nodal pathway. RESULTS: Catheter ablation was successful in each patient. The number of radiofrequency current applications was 7, 17, and 27. There were no procedural complications and no patient had recurrent tachycardia during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter ablation of the slow AV nodal pathway can be performed successfully and safely in patients with inferior venous barriers to the right heart using an SVC approach via the right IJ vein.     

Noncontact Mapping Guided Ablation of Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Ectopy in a Patient with Interruption of the Inferior Vena Cava and Azygos Continuation

A 58‐year‐old woman with symptomatic multiple monomorphic premature ventricular beats of a right ventricular outflow tract origin was referred for ablation. An inferior vena cava interruption with azygos continuation was discovered during catheter placement. This case describes positioning of the noncontact mapping array and successful radiofrequency ablation in this challenging anatomy. (PACE 2013; 36:e129–e131)     

Atrioventricular Nodal Tachycardia in a Patient with Anomalous Inferior Vena Cava with Azygos Continuation and Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava

A 39-year-old female patient was referred for ablation of recurrent episodes of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia. A combination of an anomalous inferior vena cava with azygos continuation and a persistent left superior vena cava was discovered. A nonfluoroscopic navigation system was very useful for catheter ablation of the tachycardia in this unusual case of anomalous venous system of the heart.     

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of common atrial flutter in a patient with anomalous inferior vena cava and azygos continuation

We describe a case of isthmus-dependant atrial flutter ablation with a superior approach due to an anomalous inferior vena cava (IVC), azygos, and emiazygos continuation. A 56-year-old man was referred to our institution for the treatment of a common atrial flutter. Two years prior, the patient had an attempted electrophysiological study not performed due to the inability to advance the guidewire through IVC. A computed tomography of the abdominal venous system revealed the absence of the subrenal IVC, azygos, and emiazygos continuation. Following double puncture of the left subclavian vein, two catheters were inserted into the coronary sinus and into the right atrium. Programmed atrial stimulation was performed and a sustained isthmus-dependant right atrial tachycardia was obtained. After 11 applications of radiofrequency energy with an inversion technique, sinus rhythm was restored and a repeat atrial programmed stimulation failed to induce any arrhythmia.     

时间—空间关联成像联合高分辨力血流显像技术显示孕中期胎儿奇静脉

目的探讨应用时间—空间关联成像(STIC)联合高分辨力血流显像(HD)技术显示孕中期胎儿奇静脉的可行性。方法选取2013年3~11月期间进行胎儿畸形筛查的200例孕妇,随机分为两组,研究组100例应用STIC联合HD技术在胎儿胸腹部正中旁矢状切面显示奇静脉,通过图像旋转等后处理,观察奇静脉与胸主动脉关系,奇静脉弓的形态及奇静脉弓汇入上腔静脉的位置及方式。对照组100例应用二维超声联合CDFI技术对胎儿奇静脉进行显示。结果 1研究组100例胎儿共96例成功显示了奇静脉,显示成功率为96%,对照组100例胎儿共85例成功显示了奇静脉,显示成功率为85%。研究组优于对照组,P﹤0.05。2根据与脊柱的相对位置关系对奇静脉分型,奇静脉脊柱右侧型、中间型及左侧型所占比例分别为26.0%、33.9%及40.1%。3奇静脉与胸主动脉并行,至上腔静脉水平后向前弯曲形成弓形,汇入上腔静脉。41例下腔静脉肝段离断,奇静脉明显扩张,内径与胸主动脉相当。结论 STIC联合HD技术显示孕中期奇静脉可行,可观察奇静脉内径及走形,奇静脉弓的形态及汇入上腔静脉的位置及方式等,对导致奇静脉扩张的疾病如下腔静脉离断等具有提示诊断作用;该方法对奇静脉的显示率优于传统的二维超声联合CDFI。     

Catheter Inversion:

Cure of typical atrial flutter (AFL) by catheter ablation to produce bidirectional block across the tricuspid annulus-inferior vena cava isthmus (IS) is highly effective, but failures may occur. We describe a technique that may allow creation of bidirectional block where a conventional strategy has failed.AFL ablation was performed using the conventional approach with a mapping/ablation (ablation) catheter introduced via the right femoral vein (RFV) to create a line of bidirectional block across the IS. If this was not achieved after five passes of the ablation catheter from the tricuspid annulus to the inferior vena cava (IVC) a catheter inversion technique was used. This allowed stable positioning of the ablation catheter at the IVC end of the isthmus. In 11 patients, a mean of 17 (range 3 to 45) radiofrequency (RF) applications was given before the catheter inversion technique was applied. Following catheter inversion a mean of 4 (1 to 14) further RF applications achieved bidirectional isthmus block in every patient. No complications occurred. Catheter inversion provides a simple, safe, and effective means of achieving bidirectional isthmus conduction block in cases where a conventional ablation strategy might have failed. (PACE 2004; 27[Pt. I]:775–778)     

Cavotricuspid isthmus catheter ablation across an inferior vena cava filter

Patients who suffer from recurrent thromboembolic events often receive an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter. There are few data available regarding treatment of this patient population with catheterization interventions, especially catheter ablation. We report a case of cavotricuspid isthmus catheter ablation across an IVC filter.     

Deep vein thrombosis in patient with left-sided inferior vena cava draining into the hemiazygos vein: A case report

BACKGROUNDAbnormalities of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are uncommon, and in many cases they are asymptomatic. Even so, it is vital that clinicians be aware of such anomalies prior to surgery in affected individuals. In the present report, we describe a rare anatomical variation of the IVC.CASE SUMMARYA 66-year-old male was admitted to the hospital due to deep vein thrombosis of the right lower extremity. Upon contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging, we found that this patient presented with a case of left-sided IVC draining into the hemiazygos vein, while his hepatic vein was directly draining into the atrium.CONCLUSIONCases of left-sided IVC can increase patient susceptibility to thromboembolism owing to the resultant changes in blood flow and/or associated vascular compression.     

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS AS A PRESENTING SYMPTOM OF CONGENITAL INTERRUPTION OF THE INFERIOR VENA CAVA

Intrahepatic interruption of the inferior vena cava is a congenital anomaly, resulting in venous drainage of the lower extremities by way of a compensatory enlarged vena azygos system. We report the case of a 37-year-old male who presented with symptoms of deep vein thrombosis of the entire right lower extremity. A right-sided mediastinal mass on the chest X-ray was mistaken for a haematological malignancy but proved later to represent an enlarged azygos vein. The case illustrates that in a case of deep vein thrombosis, especially in younger patients, interruption of the inferior vena cava should be considered. A right-sided paratracheal mass on the chest X-ray may give a clue in making the correct diagnosis.     

Side matters: An intriguing case of persistent left superior vena-cava

Persistent left superior vena cava, usually an incidental finding, is the most common thoracic vein anatomical variation draining into the coronary sinus. Central venous catheter procedures may be complicated secondary to the presence of a persistent left superior vena cava, leading to life-threatening complications such as arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, and cardiac arrest. We present a case of persistent superior vena cava diagnosed on transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) in a patient with congestive heart failure. A dilated coronary sinus was identified on TTE, followed by injection of agitated saline into the left antecubital vein resulting in filling of the coronary sinus prior to the right atrium-an indication of persistent left superior vena-cava. This also was confirmed on cardiac computed tomography. Such a diagnosis is critical in patients who may undergo central venous catheter procedures such as our patient’s potential requirement for an implantable cardiovertor defibrillator due to severe global left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The presence of a persistent left superior vena cava should always be suspected when the guidewire takes a left-sided downward course towards the right atrium at the level of the coronary sinus. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the imaging work-up prior to central venous catheter procedures.     

Surgical therapy for hemangioma of the azygos vein arch under thoracoscopy: A case report

BACKGROUNDAzygos vein aneurysms are extremely rare, and their pathogenesis is not clear. The overwhelming majority of patients have no obvious clinical symptoms and are found to have the disease by physical examination or by chance. There are few reports on the diagnosis of and treatment strategy for this disease. Moreover, the choice of therapeutic schedule and the treatment window are controversial.CASE SUMMARYWe report a case of azygos vein arch aneurysm in a 53-year-old woman. The patient had symptoms of back pain, chest tightness, and choking. Enhanced chest computed tomography showed a soft-tissue mass in the right posterior mediastinum, which was connected to the superior vena cava. The enhancement degree in the venous phase was the same as that of the superior vena cava. The patient received video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. After the operation, her back pain disappeared, and her dysphagia and chest tightness were also significantly relieved. The postoperative pathology confirmed hemangioma. The patient was discharged on the seventh day after surgery without any comp-lications.CONCLUSIONSome patients with hemangioma of the azygos vein arch may experience dysphagia and chest tightness caused by the tumor compressing the esophagus and trachea. Enhanced computed tomography scanning is vital for the diagnosis of azygos vein aneurysms. In addition, despite the difficulty and risk of surgery, thoracoscopic surgery for azygos vein aneurysms is completely feasible.     

Failure of left-sided implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation due to absence of left brachiocephalic vein

Implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator by the transvenous approach was impossible from the left side in a patient with on absence of the left brachiocephalic vein; the left subclavian vein was connected by a large left superior intercostal vein to the accessory hemiazygos vein that joined the azygos vein; then the blood flowed into the superior vena cava. Implantation was successfully attempted using the right-sided venous access.     

IVC anomalies and right renal aplasia detected on CT: a possible link?

Background: We report the occurrence of congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and right renal aplasia in three patients as detected on computed tomography (CT). Methods: The medical records and imaging studies of three patients with congenital anomalies of the IVC and right renal aplasia were studied. We also reviewed eight reported cases with such an association. Results: Eleven patients, nine adults and two girls, were included in the series. Indications for imaging included deep vein thrombosis (n = 5), hypertension (n = 2), failure to advance a femoral vein catheter cranially (n = 1), dilated veins along the abdominal wall (n = 1), endstage renal failure (n = 1), and jaundice (n = 1). CT was performed in seven patients, and venography, aortography, and other imaging modalities were performed in four. IVC anomalies included partial or complete absence of the IVC in nine patients and a double vena cava in two. The azygos vein was very prominent in all patients in whom the IVC was absent. The right kidney was absent or very small in all patients. Conclusion: The association between IVC anomalies and absence of the right kidney as detected on CT probably was not incidental. Although most patients had symptoms deriving from the anomalies, these might have been clinically silent. The radiologist should be aware of the possible association between these anomalies, which can be detected on CT.     

Persistent right umbilical vein in a fetus with Noonan's syndrome: a case report.

We present a case of persistent right umbilical vein with Noonan's syndrome. Persistence of the right umbilical vein with no intrahepatic portion is an uncommon finding with a review of the literature revealing only five other cases. In these cases drainage was directly into the right atrium, inferior vena cava (IVC) or IVC via the iliac vein. Of the reported cases Noonan's syndrome was confirmed in one case and suspected in a second. This report represents a third case of persistent right umbilical vein with confirmed Noonan's syndrome.     

彩色多普勒超声诊断先天性下腔静脉畸形的临床应用价值

目的分析不同类型先天性下腔静脉畸形的彩色多普勒超声表现及其相应的临床特征,探讨彩色多普勒超声诊断先天性下腔静脉畸形的临床应用价值。方法回顾性分析2009年7月至2012年3月于南京军区福州总医院超声诊断科行腹部彩色多普勒超声检查患者的临床资料,共发现22例先天性下腔静脉畸形,采用分段、多切面、自下而上或自上而下顺序进行超声扫查,结合二维、彩色多普勒、频谱多普勒超声逐段分析并进行最后的诊断,所有病例均为计算机体层扫描静脉造影、数字减影血管造影或临床其他检查所证实。结果22例下腔静脉畸形中包括左下腔静脉5例,超声表现为肾后段腹主动脉左侧上行的下腔静脉与左肾静脉汇合,肾前段跨越腹主动脉前方至右侧下腔静脉。双下腔静脉3例,超声表现为肾后段腹主动脉两侧上行的下腔静脉,肾前段左侧下腔静脉跨越腹主动脉前方经右侧下腔静脉回流入右心房：部分左下腔静脉和双下腔静脉患者伴有左肾静脉压迫。下腔静脉膜性梗阻3例,临床表现均为布-加综合征,超声显示肝后段下腔静脉右心房入口处见隔膜高回声带,彩色多普勒血流成像示肝后段下腔静脉右心房入口处未见血流,静脉腔内见逆心性血流流入腰静脉、腰升静脉。左肾静脉畸形11例,其中腹主动脉后左肾静脉9例,环主动脉型左肾静脉1例,后左肾静脉汇入左髂总静脉1例,9例伴有左肾静脉压迫。结论彩色多普勒超声可清晰显示下腔静脉及其属支的畸形,评价血流动力学的变化及其相应的临床表现,可成为下腔静脉畸形的重要诊断方法。     

Two-Dimensional and Doppler Echocardiographic Identification of Infrahepatic Interruption of Inferior Vena Cava with Azygos Continuation

Congenital anomalies of systemic venous return have been associated with pacemaker complications. Awareness of the existence of these anomalies prior to catheterization can lead to the utilization of an alternate route for pacing, avoiding undue delay in the institution of pacing which may be urgently needed. Pulse Doppler echocardiographic demonstration of turbulent flow in the azygos vein and superior vena cava combined with subcostal two-dimensional echocardiographic finding of a small channel opening into the right atrium appear to be highly specific findings in the diagnosis of infrahepatic interruption of inferior vena cava with azygos continuation.     

下腔静脉先天畸形MSCT表现及临床意义

目的 探讨下腔静脉(IVC)先天畸形的MSCT表现及其临床意义。方法 回顾性分析960例患者中48例IVC先天畸形的腹部增强CT影像资料,观察MSCT动脉期和静脉期IVC后处理图像及其属支的解剖结构。结果 IVC先天畸形的发生率为5.00%(48/960)。左IVC 4例(4/48,8.33%),CT示肾下段IVC位于腹主动脉左侧;双IVC 5例(5/48,10.42%),CT示腹主动脉两侧上行的IVC;主动脉后型左肾静脉12例(12/48,25.00%),CT示左肾静脉走行于腹主动脉后方;环主动脉型左肾静脉26例(26/48,54.17%),CT示左肾静脉分两支环绕腹主动脉,在不同水平分别注入IVC;IVC伴奇静脉延续畸形1例(1/48,2.08%),增强CT示IVC向上延续为奇静脉,肝静脉直接回流至右心房。结论 MSCT可清晰、直观地显示IVC畸形,对诊断与IVC有关的疾病和防止术中血管损伤有重要临床意义。     

Thrombosed interrupted inferior vena cava and retroaortic left renal vein mimicking retroperitoneal neoplasm

Anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) have been recognized as one of the predisposing factors for deep vein thrombosis. Rarely, thrombosis of an anomalous retroperitoneal vein may resemble a soft tissue mass. Awareness of this fact helps preventing unnecessary interventions. We report a case of thrombosis of retroaortic left renal vein and interrupted IVC that mimicked a retroperitoneal neoplasm.     

A novel method to improve prenatal diagnosis of abnormal systemic venous connections using three- and four-dimensional ultrasonography and 'inversion mode'.

OBJECTIVE: The precise prenatal diagnosis of abnormal venous connections of the fetal heart is challenging. Anatomical accuracy may be important in determining the best route for postnatal angiography, as well as the prognosis and treatment. This study was designed to determine the value of 'inversion mode', a new three- and four-dimensional (4D) rendering algorithm, in the visualization of the spatial relationships of an interrupted inferior vena cava (IVC) with azygos or hemiazygos vein continuation associated with and without heterotaxic syndromes. METHODS: Heart volumes were acquired using 4D ultrasonography and spatiotemporal image correlation in cases of interrupted IVC with azygos/hemiazygos continuation (n = 3). Volume datasets were rendered using the 'inversion mode' algorithm and abnormal images were compared to those generated from a library of normal fetuses. RESULTS: The 'inversion mode' rendering algorithm allowed the visualization of dilated azygos or hemiazygos veins and their spatial relationships with the descending aorta, the aortic arch, the superior vena cava, and the atria in cases of interrupted IVC with and without heterotaxic syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: The 'inversion mode' algorithm improves prenatal visualization of both dilated azygos and hemiazygos veins, as well as their spatial relationships with the surrounding vascular structures. This has implications for the accurate prenatal diagnosis and management of neonates with abnormal systemic venous connections.