A rare case of Double Superior Vena Cava, diagnosed after Central Line placement, in a poly-trauma patient

Abstract

Health professionals involved in invasive procedures such as central venous catheter placement should have a thorough knowledge of thoracic vascular anatomy. Various developmental anomalies of the large intra-thoracic veins can be incidentally discovered in normal adults. Amongst these congenital anomalies is a duplication of superior vena cava (SVC), which results from failure of the left superior cardinal vein to obliterate. Awareness about this anomaly and its variations is important to help overcome challenges in procedures, as well as avoid complications. In this article, we present a case of incidentally diagnosed double-SVC in an adult polytrauma patient after central line insertion in the Trauma Intensive care Unit.