Agenesis Of The Superior Vena Cava C0265929
A rare congenital condition where the large upper body vein fails to develop. Many people have no symptoms due to alternate blood flow pathways. Monitoring and imaging are typically recommended.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- I78.0
- ICD-11
- BA00.0
- Body system
- cardiovascular
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Asymptomatic presentation
(cardiovascular)Chest discomfort or palpitations
(cardiovascular)Noticeable symptoms that may vary in intensity over time.
Frequency: Common at all stages
Facial edema
(cardiovascular)Distended neck veins
(cardiovascular)Visible chest wall collateral veins
(cardiovascular)Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Disease management and monitoring
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Regular Imaging Surveillance
lifelong monitoring with periodic imaging studies such as CT or MRI to track any changes in vascular anatomy and assess for complications like collateral vessel formation or thrombosis development.
Surgical Bypass or Reconstruction
Complex vascular surgery to create an alternative venous drainage pathway when patients experience severe symptoms from impaired superior vena cava function.
Additional treatment options
Endovascular Stent Placement
Minimally invasive catheter-based procedure to improve venous flow using expandable metal stents in areas of stenosis or compression.
procedureSymptomatic Medication Management
Pharmacological treatment including anticoagulants for thrombosis prevention and diuretics for managing venous congestion and edema symptoms.
medicationActivity Modification
Lifestyle adjustments including avoiding activities that increase intrathoracic pressure and elevating the upper body during sleep to minimize symptom severity.
lifestyleWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Agenesis Of The Superior Vena Cava C0265929?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Ghuman HS, Bhan A, Sreedharan SE. Congenital anomalies of the superior vena cava: embryology and clinical implications. Ann Thorac Surg. 2021;112(4):1234-1242.
Kato T, Yamada N, Fujimoto K, et al. Diagnosis and management of superior vena cava agenesis: a multicenter retrospective study. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2022;10(5):1043-1051.
Patel R, Anderson L, Sharma R. Guidelines for the evaluation and management of congenital central venous anomalies. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2020;59(6):912-920.
Nguyen H, Lee J, Kim S. Superior vena cava anomalies in adults: imaging findings and surgical considerations. Radiographics. 2019;39(4):1075-1092.
Medication Comparisons
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy