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Subclavian vein obstruction with collateral flow through the umbilical and hepatic veins

Darryl R Pauls1, James G Ravenel

  • 1Department of Radiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Box 250322, 169 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|February 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of upper venous obstruction revealed a unique collateral pathway. The umbilical vein recanalized and unusually connected to hepatic veins, not the portal vein.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular anatomy
  • Embryology
  • Cardiovascular pathology

Background:

  • Obstruction of upper venous return to the heart can lead to the development of collateral circulation.
  • Pathologies affecting the subclavian and brachiocephalic veins are common causes of such obstructions.

Observation:

  • This case report details a thrombotic obstruction of the left subclavian and brachiocephalic veins.
  • A unique collateral pathway was identified, involving the recanalization of the umbilical vein.

Findings:

  • The recanalized umbilical vein formed an unusual anastomosis with the middle and left hepatic veins.
  • This differs from typical collateral pathways that usually involve the portal vein.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the diverse and rare anatomical variations that can occur in venous collateral systems.
  • Understanding these anomalies is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of venous obstructions.

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