J Korean Soc Radiol.  2014 Mar;70(3):213-215. 10.3348/jksr.2014.70.3.213.

Congenital Absence of the Azygos Vein with Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: A Case Report

• Yim Y
• Yi JG
• Song I
• Park JH

• KMID: 1839435
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2014.70.3.213

Abstract

Absence of the azygos vein is a very rare variant of venous tributary arrangement which has been reported only in few cases so far. We hereby introduce the chest radiographic and computed tomographic findings of the congenital absence of the azygos vein with bilateral superior vena cava, incidentally detected during a follow-up for rectal cancer. The hemiazygos vein is drained into persistent left superior vena cava via left superior intercostal vein, so called the "aortic nipple".

MeSH Terms

Azygos Vein*
Follow-Up Studies
Radiography, Thoracic
Rectal Neoplasms
Veins
Vena Cava, Superior*

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 A 65-year-old man with rectal cancer. A. Chest radiograph shows no azygos arch shadow in its usual site (arrow) and shows focal bulge of aortic arch (aortic nipple) (arrowhead). B, C. Contrast enhanced axial (B) and coronal (C) CT images show bilateral SVC (arrows). D. Contrast enhanced axial CT scan also shows the superior intercostal vein, the "aortic nipple" (arrowhead), beside the aortic arch and the absence of the azygos vein at its usual site (arrow). E. Contrast enhanced axial scan shows the slightly dilated hemiazygos vein (arrow).

Reference

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