The persistence of a left superior vena cava (LSVC) is an intrinsically cardiac anomaly, which can lead to serious complications during catheterization via the subclavian or internal jugular vein. We found this anomaly during dissection associated with an abnormal origin of the vertebral artery originating from the aortic arch between the left common carotid and subclavian arteries. The LSVC coursed towards the right atrium through a very dilated coronary sinus ostium. No abnormality of the azygos system was found. A thorough anatomic description was then made with external and internal morphology. The embryonic development and variations are described. Radiological and clinical implications are discussed.

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We report a case of erosive arthropathies discovered radiologically before dialysis in a uremic patient with Alport syndrome. This patient had no hereditary amyloidosis or causes of acquired generalized amyloidosis (no chronic infections or inflammatory disease, neoplasia, lymphoma or monoclonal gammapathy). Erosive spondyloar-thropathies of the cervical spine at the C5-C6 and C6-C7 levels, erosive arthropathy of the right acromioclavicular joint, metacarpal lacuna of the right hand, and lacuna of the left femoral neck were discovered 24 months before starting dialysis in this patient with chronic renal insufficiency of 17 years duration. Puncture of the vertebral disc before starting dialysis took a fragment showing amyloid deposits with permanganate-sensitive Congo red staining and positive staining with anti-β₂-microglobulin antibodies. This observation suggests that β₂-microglobulin amyloidosis in uremia may not be exclusively related to chronic kidney replacement therapy, but to uremia per se, especially when the latter is of long duration.

We report two cases of coronary-to-bronchial artery communication responsible for coronary steal. In both cases the anastomosis originated from the proximal circumflex artery and developed because of bronchiectasis. In both cases closure of the anastomosis was achieved successfully by embolization. To date, the patients remained free from symptoms.