Persistent left superior vena cava: An unusual radiographic discovery

Abstract

The persistence of the left superior vena cava is a rare and benign congenital malformation. This malformation is usually asymptomatic and is detected incidentally by imaging exams performed for other causes. We report two cases of persistence of the left superior vena cava, the first in a 62-year-old patient admitted for chronic renal failure for whom a thoracic radiograph after venous catheterization objectified this malformation; and the second in a 60-year-old patient for whom we performed a CT scan with contrast agent which objectified a double superior vena cava.

Keywords

• Left superior vena cava
• Superior vena cava duplication
• Vascular malformation
• Thoracic CT angiography