Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Χειρουργική ΑνατομίαLibrary of the School of Health Sciences
Author:
Farazi-Chongouki Christos
Supervisors info:
Σκανδαλάκης Παναγιώτης, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ, Επιβλέπων
Πρωτογέρου Βασίλης, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Δεμέστιχα Θεανώ, Αναπληρώτρια Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Διπλή άνω κοίλη φλέβα – Η ανατομία μιας σπάνιας παραλλαγής και η κλινική της σημασία
Translated title:
Double superior vena cava – A rare anatomic variation and the clinical significance
Summary:
Various anomalies in the development of the great thoracic veins of the embryo can be incidentally discovered in the normal adult. Duplication of superior vena cava (SVC) is a rare abnormality, but the most common thoracic venous congenital anomaly. We present two cases of asymptomatic patients who underwent an uneventful central line placement in the left subclavian vein. The track of the catheter, as shown in the X-ray, was misplaced to the left of the aorta and further investigation with computed tomography angiography confirmed a persistent left SVC. 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.
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Keywords:
Double superior vena cava, Rare anatomic variation, Central line catheter
