Superior vena caval duplication

Last revised by Raymond Chieng on 10 Dec 2023

Superior vena caval (SVC) duplication is the most common form of a left-sided SVC, where the normal right-sided SVC remains. The right SVC, however, can be smaller in approximately two-thirds of such cases 3.

Epidemiology

Double SVC occurs in 0.3% of the general population. In those with congenital heart diseases, double SVC happens in 10 to 11% 4.

Pathology

Results from failure of the embryonic left anterior cardinal vein to regress. Drainage is variable and can be to:

Associations

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