Sanket Karangutkar, Lajos Szabados, A. Haroon, Ghulam Mustafa Shah Syed
tlooto Summary
The incidental detection of persistent left superior vena cava during lung perfusion scintigraphy in a patient with post-COVID-19 hypoxia is reported, highlighting the need for adaptive imaging techniques to accurately interpret atypical findings in nuclear medicine.
Abstract
Lung perfusion scintigraphy is a cornerstone for evaluating pulmonary embolism but may reveal unexpected vascular anomalies. Persistent left superior vena cava, a congenital anomaly, can cause a right-to-left shunt when draining into the left atrium, bypassing pulmonary circulation. We report the incidental detection of persistent left superior vena cava during lung perfusion scintigraphy in a patient with post-COVID-19 hypoxia. Dual-site radiotracer injections and SPECT/CT confirmed the diagnosis, highlighting the need for adaptive imaging techniques to accurately interpret atypical findings in nuclear medicine.
Citation format
KARANGUTKAR, Sanket, et al. Incidental detection of persistent left superior vena cava during lung perfusion scan. Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology, 2026, 54(2): 212–213.