Congenital anomalies of the left brachiocephalic vein detected in adults on computed tomography.

Abstract

Anomalous left brachiocephalic vein (BCV) is a rare and less known systemic venous anomaly. We evaluated congenital anomalies of the left BCV in adults detected during computed tomography (CT) examinations. This retrospective study included 81,425 patients without congenital heart disease who underwent chest CT. We reviewed the recorded reports and CT images for congenital anomalies of the left BCV including aberrant and supernumerary BCVs. The associated congenital aortic anomalies were assessed. Among 73,407 cases at a university hospital, 22 (16 males, 6 females; mean age, 59years) with aberrant left BCVs were found using keyword research on recorded reports (0.03%). Among 8018 cases at the branch hospital, 5 (4 males, 1 female; mean age, 67years) with aberrant left BCVs were found using CT image review (0.062%). There were no significant differences in incidences of aberrant left BCV between the two groups. Two cases had double left BCVs. Eleven cases showed high aortic arches. Two cases had the right aortic arch, one case had an incomplete double aortic arch, and one case was associated with coarctation. Aberrant left BCV on CT examination in adults was extremely rare. Some cases were associated with aortic arch anomalies.