To discuss commonly encountered intrathoracic venous anomalies and there appearance on CT. To briefly discuss embryological cause and implications of these variants.

Intra-thoracic venous anomalies of the thorax are a common finding encountered on CT imaging. Systemic and pulmonary venous abnormalities can be seen together or in isolation. Whilst they may represent an incidental finding of little clinical significance, they may be functionally significant or be seen in association with more complex congenital cardiac disease. Early diagnosis of functionally significant anomalies can reduce morbidity and alter patient management.

Persistent Left Sided SVC This is the commonest congenital venous anomaly of the thorax with a prevalence in the general population of up to 0.5%, increasing to 4% in patients with congenital heart disease1,2. All venous anomalies are determined when embryological development goes awry. The ‘normal’ right sided SVC is formed by the right anterior and common cardinal veins in combination with regression of the left anterior cardinal vein. A persistent left sided SVC (PLSVC) is found when there is failure of this to regress....

Conclusion Thoracic venous anomalies are commonly identified on cross sectional imaging and it is therefore important for the general radiologist to have an understanding of functionally significant lesions. Normal variants, such as persistent left sided SVC, may be identified on a plain chest radiograph when an abnormal path of central venous line is identified. While these are not functionally significant they are important with regards cardiac procedures. Other anomalies are more easily identified on cross sectional imaging. Both partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage and pulmonary...

Dr. Esther Eden. Foundation yeartwo doctor. Univeristy Hospitals Birmingham. Heartlands Hospital. Birmingham. B9 5SS Dr.Shahid Hussain Consultant Radiologist. Univeristy Hospitals Birmingham. Heartlands Hospital. Birmingham. B9 5SS Dr G. Lewis Consultant Radiologist - Univeristy Hospitals Birmingham. Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Birmingham. B15 2WB Dr. F Shaukat International Training Fellow - Univeristy Hospitals Birmingham. Heartlands Hospital. Birmingham. B9 5SS

Povoski SP, Khabiri H. Persistent left superior vena cava: Review of the literature, clinical implications, and relevance of alterations in thoracic central venous anatomy as pertaining to the general principles of central venous access device placement and venography in cancer patients. World Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2011; 9:173 Pretorius PM, Gleeson FV. Case 74: right-sided superior vena cava draining into left atrium in a patient with persistent left-sided superior vena cava. Radiology. 2004;232 (3): 730-4. Bass JE, Redwine MD, Kramer LA et-al. Spectrum of congenital...