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Double superior vena cava and anomalous left atrial drainage of persistent left SVC: A case report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is an uncommon developmental variation of the thoracic venous system, sometimes accompanied by a duplicated superior vena cava (SVC). While often asymptomatic when draining into the right atrium, drainage toward the left atrium could lead to a right-to-left shunt and potential compromise of whole-body oxygen delivery. This report describes a 48-year-old male patient with hypertension and chronic tobacco use who was evaluated for dyspnea and leg edema. Imaging revealed a double SVC, where the left-sided vessel connected directly to the left atrium. Despite this anomaly, the patient exhibited no significant hypoxemia or cyanosis, likely due to long-term compensatory mechanisms. This report underscores the need to consider vascular anomalies in imaging interpretation, particularly when findings are incidental. It also underscores the role of contrast-enhanced CT in identifying rare anatomical variants and the potential for such anomalies to remain clinically silent despite physiological significance.

Source: Radiology Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2025.11.065

Authors: Parisa Pishdad, Parham Heidari, Amirhossein Soltani, Mohsen Salimi

Institutions: Shiraz University, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Vascular anomalies and interventions

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $600