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[Diagnosis of duplicate superior vena cava]
1Institut za radiologiju, Klinicki centar Sarajevo.
Medicinski Arhiv
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Double superior vena cava is a rare anomaly, often asymptomatic and found incidentally. This study identified it in 1.2 per 1000 patients via CT scans, aiding differential diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular anatomy
- Radiology
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Anomalies of systemic venous return to the right atrium are uncommon.
- A double superior vena cava (SVC) is a particularly rare variation.
- Isolated double SVC is typically asymptomatic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the incidence of double superior vena cava found during computed tomography (CT) examinations.
- To highlight the diagnostic significance of this anomaly in medical imaging.
Main Methods:
- Computed tomography (CT) scans of 4045 patients were reviewed over an eight-year period.
- Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was used to confirm the diagnosis in identified cases.
Main Results:
- Double superior vena cava was identified as an incidental finding in five patients (0.12%).
- The anomaly was confirmed using bi-cubital intravenous digital subtraction angiography.
Conclusions:
- Double superior vena cava is a rare finding, detected incidentally in a small percentage of patients undergoing CT.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for differential diagnosis of mediastinal masses and to avoid unexpected findings during thoracic imaging.