Imaging characteristics of persistent left cranial vena cava incidentally diagnosed with computed tomography in dogs

Abstract

Persistent left cranial vena cava (PLCVC) is an uncommon congenital thoracic venous anomaly in dogs. This study examines the clinical and CT findings of dogs diagnosed with PLCVC incidentally. In this study, complete type of PLCVC was diagnosed in 26 dogs with CT angiography. Shih tzu (17 cases) and Pekingese dogs (3 cases) were overrepresented. There was no gender predisposition, and the average age at presentation was 10.3 years. Of 26 dogs, one dog had a bridging vein connecting right and left cranial vena cavae, and another dog showed azygos vein terminating PLCVC. On the thoracic CT images in the third dog, the right cranial vena cava was absent so that right brachiocephalic vein ended to PLCVC. However, the right costocervical vein drained another vein coursing caudally to the right atrium with azygos vein. In conclusion, CT angiography is a very useful method to diagnose PLCVC and variations of related thoracic vein anomalies in dogs.

Anomalous drainage of the caudal vena cava into the left atrium and duplication of the posthepatic caudal vena cava in a cat diagnosed with CT

“…In veterinary medicine, caudal vena cava anomalies such as duplication of the prehepatic caudal vena cava,18 19 aplasia20–22 and transposition21 of the caudal vena cava have been reported. There are also several reports of persistent left cranial vena cava in dogs 23–26. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of anomalous drainage of the caudal vena cava into the left atrium and duplication of the posthepatic caudal vena cava in veterinary medicine.…”

“…There are also several reports of persistent left cranial vena cava in dogs. [23][24][25][26] To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of anomalous drainage of the caudal vena cava into the left atrium and duplication of the posthepatic caudal vena cava in veterinary medicine.…”

Complete type persistent left cranial vena cava with patent ductus arteriosus in a Bichon Frise dog

“…In conclusion, PLCVC was accompanied with the congenital heart disease PDA in a dog. In dogs that do not show clinical signs, PLCVC can be undetected or incidentally found [16]. The dog in this case had PDA with no significant clinical signs, and radiographic examination and surgery were performed.…”

“…PLVCV is rare in dogs, and it is mostly accompanied with congenital heart diseases, such as PDA and persistent right aortic arch (PRAA) [15]. Identification of PLCVC can be done on CT angiography and at the time of surgery [16]. Many dogs with other congenital heart problems suffer respiratory distress, and in severe cases, sudden death [17].…”

Vascular and Cardiac CT in Small Animals

“…A persistence of the left cranial vena cava (CrVC) is probably the most common thoracic venous anomalies in our patients [19]. Persistent left CrVC alone is often an incidental CT finding, but may cause esophageal stenosis and may be associated with severe cardiovascular defects.…”