title: Comprehensive Imaging Review of the Superior Vena Cava.
abstract: The superior vena cava (SVC) is the largest central systemic vein in the mediastinum. Imaging (ie, radiography, computed tomography [CT], magnetic resonance [MR] venography, and conventional venography) plays an important role in identifying congenital variants and pathologic conditions that affect the SVC. Knowledge of the basic embryology and anatomy of the SVC and techniques for CT, MR imaging, and conventional venography are pivotal to accurate diagnosis and clinical decision making. Congenital anomalies such as persistent left SVC, partial anomalous pulmonary venous return, and aneurysm are asymptomatic and may be discovered incidentally in patients undergoing imaging evaluation for associated cardiac abnormalities or other indications. Familiarity with congenital abnormalities is important to avoid image misinterpretation. Acquired abnormalities such as intrinsic and extrinsic strictures, fibrin sheath, thrombus, primary neoplasms, and trauma can produce mild narrowing to complete occlusion, the latter leading to SVC syndrome. Each imaging modality plays a role in evaluation of the SVC, helping to determine the site, extent, and cause of pathologic conditions and guide appropriate management. Commonly performed interventional procedures for fibrin sheath and benign and malignant strictures include low-dose thrombolytic infusion, fibrin sheath disruption, venous angioplasty, and stent placement.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Radiology, University of Alabama-Birmingham, 619 19th St S, JTN 363, Birmingham, AL 35233 (S.K.S., D.M.M., S.P.S., A.K.A.A.); Department of Radiology, Froedtert Hospital and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wis (K.S.S.); and Department of Radiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY (A.C.).
authors.forename: Sushilkumar K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Sonavane
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Radiology, University of Alabama-Birmingham, 619 19th St S, JTN 363, Birmingham, AL 35233 (S.K.S., D.M.M., S.P.S., A.K.A.A.); Department of Radiology, Froedtert Hospital and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wis (K.S.S.); and Department of Radiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY (A.C.).
authors.forename: Desmin M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Milner
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Radiology, University of Alabama-Birmingham, 619 19th St S, JTN 363, Birmingham, AL 35233 (S.K.S., D.M.M., S.P.S., A.K.A.A.); Department of Radiology, Froedtert Hospital and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wis (K.S.S.); and Department of Radiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY (A.C.).
authors.forename: Satinder P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Radiology, University of Alabama-Birmingham, 619 19th St S, JTN 363, Birmingham, AL 35233 (S.K.S., D.M.M., S.P.S., A.K.A.A.); Department of Radiology, Froedtert Hospital and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wis (K.S.S.); and Department of Radiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY (A.C.).
authors.forename: Ahmed Kamel
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Abdel Aal
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Radiology, University of Alabama-Birmingham, 619 19th St S, JTN 363, Birmingham, AL 35233 (S.K.S., D.M.M., S.P.S., A.K.A.A.); Department of Radiology, Froedtert Hospital and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wis (K.S.S.); and Department of Radiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY (A.C.).
authors.forename: Kaushik S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Shahir
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Radiology, University of Alabama-Birmingham, 619 19th St S, JTN 363, Birmingham, AL 35233 (S.K.S., D.M.M., S.P.S., A.K.A.A.); Department of Radiology, Froedtert Hospital and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wis (K.S.S.); and Department of Radiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY (A.C.).
authors.forename: Abhishek
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chaturvedi
mesh_terms: D000783:Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon; D001401:Azygos Vein / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016121:Brachiocephalic Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010690:Phlebography / Q000379:methods; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000379:methods; D015607:Stents; D013350:Subclavian Vein / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D019043:Vascular Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016306:Vena Cava Filters; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media