Korean Circ J.  2016 Sep;46(5):743-745. 10.4070/kcj.2016.46.5.743.

Congenital Absence of Superior Vena Cava with no Manifestation of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

• Park CS
• Kim JJ
• Park JJ

• KMID: 2389636
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4070/kcj.2016.46.5.743

Abstract

Total absence of superior vena cava (SVC) is a very rare anomaly, and the patient usually suffers from SVC syndrome or conduction disturbances. We report an asymptomatic 27 year-old male, with complete absence of SVC. Transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography demonstrated the absence of SVC and other congenital cardiac anomalies, but the presence of prominent collateral vessels that allow a sufficient venous return.

Keyword

Vena cava, superior; Congenital abnormalities; Computed tomography; Echocardiography

MeSH Terms

Congenital Abnormalities
Echocardiography
Humans
Male
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome*
Vena Cava, Superior*

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Reconstructed computed tomography scan showed the absence of superior vena cava (SVC). After confluence of the brachiocephalic veins, the SVC was absent. RA: right atrium, Rt.BCV: right brachiocephalic vein.

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  Fig. 2 (A-E) These coronal images were obtained from contrast computed tomography scan. Prominently dilated collateral vessels were observed. After confluence of left and right brachiocephalic veins, blood flow was no more visible. (C, D) Contrary to absence of SVC, blood from the IVC flows into the right atrium intact. Rt.PV: right pericardiphrenic vein, Lt.PV: left pericardiophrenic vein, RA: right atrium, Az: Azygos vein (*), IVC: inferior vena cava, LumbV: lumbar vein, SVC: superior vena cava.

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  Fig. 3 (A, B) Axial images taken via contrast computed tomography. Dilatation of various collateral vessels is evident. IMV: internal mammary vein, Lt.PV: left pericardiophrenic vein, HAz: hemiazygos vein, Az: Azygos vein (*).

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