European Journal of Anatomy

Official Journal of The Spanish Society of Anatomy
Cover Volume 16 - Number 3
Eur J Anat, 16 (3): 216-220 (2012)

Double superior vena cavae with bilaterally symmetrical azygos veins and incomplete left circumflex artery

Mamatha Tonse, Rajalakshmi Rai, Latha V. Prabhu, Jaffar Mir, Murlimanju B. Virupakshamurthy, Rajanigandha Vadgaonkar

Department of Anatomy, Centre for Basic Sciences, Kasturba Medical College Mangalore, Manipal University, Karnataka, India

ABSTRACT Vascular variations should be considered seriously, since the majority of these are incidental findings during surgeries or catheterization. A prior knowledge of the possible existence of variations in the veins, especially in the vena cava, is necessary for surgeons, radiologists, or anaesthesiologists, since central catheterization procedures have been increased over the years. We are presenting double superior vena cavae, bilaterally symmetrical azygos veins, and an incomplete left circumflex coronary artery, which were noted during routine dissection of a 65-year-old male cadaver. Knowledge of the combination of these variations makes this case significant during cardiothoracic surgeries. The embryological basis and clinical significance of the abovementioned vascular aberrations have been discussed.

Keywords: Double superior vena cavae, Left superior vena cava, Left azygos vein, Left circumflex artery, Variations, Embryological significance

European Journal of anatomy
ISSN 2340-311X (Online)