Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of congenital thoracic systemic venous anomalies.

ABSTRACT

We present the imaging findings of thoracic systemic venous anomalies diagnosed by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Persistent left superior vena cava is the commonest anomaly of the thoracic systemic veins encountered either incidentally as an isolated finding or associated with congenital heart disease. Inferior vena cava (IVC) interruption with azygos continuation is the second most common anomaly, which may also be isolated or be associated with left isomerism syndrome. The article will also discuss other rarer systemic venous anomalies including retroaortic brachiocephalic vein and IVC drainage into the left atrium. Finally, the impact of pre-procedure reporting of thoracic systemic venous anomalies on the choice of intervention and patient outcome will be addressed.