Ricerc@Sapienza

Background: Vena cava anomalies are a rare group of anatomical variations due to an incorrect development of the
superior or inferior vena cava during fetal life. They generally show no clinical relevance and the diagnosis is done due
to the association with congenital heart diseases in most of cases. However, preoperative identification of these anomalies
is mandatory for surgeons to proper surgical planning. If not recognized, lethal complications may occur, as already reported
in literature.
Case presentation: We report a case series of three different unidentified vena cava anomalies in patients undergoing lung
resection. These unrecognized anomalies led to minor complications in two cases and required an accurate intraoperative
evaluation in another.
A careful retrospective evaluation of preoperative radiological images showed the anomalies.
Conclusions: A careful evaluation of the vena cava anatomy at pre-operative imaging is mandatory for thoracic surgeons to
properly plan the surgery and avoid complications.