Double superior vena cava: presentation of two cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Double SVC can be fortuitously discovered during catheter insertion, thoracic or cardiac imaging and surgery. In most cases it drains into the right atrium, through the coronary sinus. This entity is significant to the physician because of its importance in differential diagnosis as a cause of a widened mediastinum, as well as any difficulty that can occur in the placement of a central venous catheter or a pace maker.

Thoracic Vascular Variants and Anomalies: Imaging Findings, Review of the Embryology, and Clinical Features

“…The cardinal veins include the anterior cardinal vein (which drains the cephalic portion of the body) and the posterior cardinal vein (which drains the rest of the embryo); these join on each side to form the common cardinal vein before entering the venous sinus. 15 The nonregression of the left anterior cardinal vein leads to a duplication of the SVC 16 ( Fig. 1 ).…”

“…CT: There will be two SVCs, one on each side. Most of the times the right SVC is smaller than the left one and the left brachiocephalic vein is absent, 15 but this configuration does not always happen and the left SVC can be smaller ( Fig. 10 ).…”

Case report of double superior vena cava and double odd vein with hypoplastic left brachiocephalic vein

“…In some cases, a double superior vena cava (DSVC) may be encountered, and these vessels are referred to as left and right SVC. 1 Here, the case of a patient with persistent left SVC (PLSVC) is described.…”