title: Persistent left superior vena cava with absent right superior vena cava: morphological CT features and clinical implications.
abstract: Here we report a rare case of the persisting left superior vena cava with simultaneous absence of the right superior vena cava. This central venous variation has been identified during a routine chest CT scan as follow-up after colonic cancer in an asymptomatic patient with no previous history of heart diseases. Morphological features of this variation are illustrated on axial CT images and 3D image reconstructions. This anomaly occurs in 0.1% of the general population. In presence with the right superior vena cava it is the most common anatomical variation in the central venous system with a reported occurrence of 0.2-8%. Such condition can be associated with additional congenital cardiovascular malformations and heart diseases or rhythm abnormalities. Diagnosis can be difficult and is often achieved incidentally since hemodynamics in these patients can be normal and clinical symptoms are mostly absent. Important clinical implications include difficulties in central venous access or cardiac pacemaker placement as well as management consequences in cardiothoracic surgery. In conclusion clinicians should be aware of this anomaly and their clinical relevance to avoid possible complications.
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Heye
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wengenroth
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schipp
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Johannes Dengler
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Grenacher
authors.forename: Günter
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Werner Kauffmann
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D018376:Cardiovascular Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000002:abnormalities*