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Human persistent left superior vena cava with doubled coronary sinus
K Sahinoglu1, M D Cassell, R Miyauchi
1Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Iowa City 52242.
Insights
A rare persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) was discovered during a routine autopsy. This anatomical variation, where the right superior vena cava is absent, occurs in approximately 0.16% of the population.
Area of Science:
- Anatomical variations
- Cardiovascular system
- Human anatomy
Background:
- Anatomical variations in the superior vena cava (SVC) are uncommon but significant.
- The persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare congenital anomaly.
Abstract:
A heart with a persistent left superior vena cava was found in a 72 year old man during routine dissection. The right superior vena cava was absent. The right brachiocephalic vein crossed over the aortic arch and its branches to the left side of the heart. This variation reportedly occurs in about 0.16% of humans. The azygos vein was, as a result, also left sided with a hemiazygos vein on the right side. The left superior vena cava drained into a channel contained with the posterior wall of the left atrium of the heart above, and parallel with the coronary sinus. The channel of the left superior vena cava opened into the right atrium above the opening of the coronary sinus. The coronary sinus may have been doubled during embryonic development. The two vessels were joined by a small connecting vessel.