Aberrant Left Brachiocephalic Vein versus Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava without Bridging Vein in Adults: Evaluation on Computed Tomography

Abstract

Objective: Persistent left superior vena cava without bringing vein (PLSVC w/o BV) is a common thoracic venous anomaly, while aberrant left brachiocephalic vein (ALBCV) is an uncommon condition. We compared the incidences of the two venous anomalies and assessed congenital cardiovascular diseases (CCDs) in adults using computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: We reviewed the recorded reports or CT images of 49,494 adults for PLSVC w/o BV and ALBCV in two hospitals. We determined incidences of two venous anomalies and the rate of associated CCDs. Results: 76 PLSVCs w/o BV and 27 ALBCVs were found. The incidence of PLSVC w/o BV was 0.15% and the incidence of ALBCV was 0.055%. PLSVC w/o BV had higher incidence than ALBCV (p<0.001). Four PLSVCs w/o BV and one ALBCV were associated with congenital heart diseases. Two PLSVCs w/o BV and four ALBCVs were associated with congenital aortic arch anomaly (CAAA). ALBCV had higher incidence of associated CAAA than PLSVC w/o BV (P=0.02). Conclusion: The incidence of ALBCV was <50% that of PLSVC w/o BV. The two venous anomalies found on CT during adulthood were rarely associated with CCDs.