Paradoxical emboli from left superior vena cava causing recurrent brain abscess

Ch’ng JK, Soon JL, Lim CH
Correspondence: Dr Ch’ng Jack Kian, zackkk18@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
Persistent left superior vena cava is a rare but well-recognised condition. We describe a case of persistent left superior vena cava draining directly into the left atrium, with a fixed anatomical right-to-left shunt and paradoxical embolic events causing recurrent brain abscess. Surgical ligation was curative.

Keywords: brain abscess, left superior vena cava, stroke
Singapore Med J 2012; 53(1): e21–e23