Most of superior vena cava syndrome are caused by malignant tumors involving the mediastinum (usually lung cancer or lymphoma). However, iatrogenic cause has become more important since it has become common to utilize long-term central venous catheters for chemotherapy or hyperalimentation therapy. Although the cancer patients are also at relatively high risk, there are only few case reports of...

A one day old baby who presented with cyanosis was later shown to have an isolated persistent left superior vena cava draining into the left atrium with hypoplastic right superior vena cava. This extremely rare anomaly was diagnosed by cardiac catheterisation at one week. Surgical correction at two weeks, by anastomosis of the innominate vein to the right atrium and by ligation of the left supe...

Implantation of resynchronization implantable cardioverter defibrillator was performed in a patient with persistent left superior vena cava. A dual coil defibrillation lead was inserted in the right ventricle apex via a small innominate vein. Left ventricular and atrial leads were implanted through persistent left superior vena cava. Left ventricular lead was easily implanted into the postero l...

An 8-year-old neutered female Yorkshire terrier with mediastinal neoplasm and subsequent cranial vena cava invasion developed multiple venous collaterals from the brachiocephalic venous trunks to the caudal vena cava. Collateral venous pathways have been described in dogs with obstruction or increased blood flow resistance of the caudal vena cava but cranial vena cava collaterals have not been ...

Vascular access has remained a major challenge for implantation of permanent pacemaker leads. A persistent Left Superior Vena Cava (LSVC), especially with an absent Right Superior Vena Cava (RSVC), is a rare finding during pacemaker implantation and is accompanied by technical difficulties. Herein, we describe a case of sinoatrial node arrest, in which finding a suitable vein for passing the le...

superior vena cava draining into the left atrium with absent right superior vena cava. Ann Thorac Surg 1971;11:160-4. 4. Quaegebeur J, Kirklin JW, Pacifico AD, Bargeron LM Jr. Surgical experience with unroofed coronary sinus. Ann Thorac Surg 1979;27:418-25. 5. Chiu IS, Hegerty A, Anderson RH, de Leval M. The landmarks to the atrioventricular conduction system in hearts with absence or unroofing...

A 56-year-old male presented with severe exertional dyspnea and pitting edema in the lower extremities. The pre-operative evaluation demonstrated biventricular dysfunction associated with severe tricuspid valve regurgitation and a persistent left superior vena cava. He was registered as a transplantation candidate, and orthotopic heart transplantation was performed using the standard bicaval te...

Superior vena cava syndrome is most often caused by lung carcinoma. Two cases are described in whom venous obstruction in the superior mediastinum was caused by local vascular fibrosis due to radiotherapy five and seven years earlier. The development of radiation injury to greater vessels is discussed, together with the possibilities for treatment of superior vena cava syndrome.