Unknown Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection Causing Arterial Blood Gases During Central Venous Catheter Insertion

Abstract

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) is a rare congenital anomaly. We report about the case with an “arterial blood gas” analysis taken from a newly inserted central venous catheter (CVC). Thoracic computed tomography (CT) verified the catheter in the left internal jugular vein. The contrast was given through the catheter which revealed a partial anomalous venous connection of the left upper pulmonary vein to the left brachiocephalic vein. PAPVC should be taken into consideration in cases of “arterial blood gases” taken from a correctly inserted CVC. Most patients are asymptomatic. Adequate diagnostic tools to detect PAPVC are TEE, CT or MRI.