Shunt between right subclavian vein and the left heart in superior vena cava obstruction due to lung cancer.

A case in which there was a shunt between systemic veins and the left heart in superior vena cava syndrome due to lung cancer is reported. Superior vena cava syndrome developed one and a half years after right upper lobectomy with combined resection of thoracic wall. Radionuclide venography from the right antecubital vein showed immediate visualization of the left ventricle and aorta, before the right atrium and right ventricle were seen. In the superior vena cava syndrome due to a malignant tumor, this rare pathway as well as usual collaterals should be considered.