The journal of vascular access
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Persistent left superior vena cava is rare and asymptomatic and is usually discovered incidentally during or after insertion of a central venous catheter. There is uncertainty as to whether or not the catheter should be removed after its malposition resulting in persistent left superior vena cava. We reported an unusual case of a breast cancer patient with a persistent left superior vena cava detected after a peripherally inserted central catheter insertion. ⋯ To ensure the integrity of the catheter, special follow-ups and tip position observations were carried out. The peripherally inserted central catheter was safe until the end of chemotherapy with no complications. Although the peripherally inserted central catheter tip was located in persistent left superior vena cava, given that the persistent left superior vena cava coexisted with a right superior vena cava with the similar lumen, the peripherally inserted central catheter could be used normally under strict attention.