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Absence of the azygos vein
G Arslan1, M Cubuk, C Ozkaynak
1Department of Radiology, Akdeniz University Medical Faculty, Arapsuyu, 07070, Antalya, Turkey. arslan@med.akdeniz.edu.tr
Clinical Imaging
|January 11, 2001
Summary
A rare absence of the azygos vein (AV) was identified. Imaging, including chest X-rays and CT scans, confirmed this congenital anomaly and reviewed its embryological development.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Radiology
- Embryology
Background:
- The azygos vein (AV) is a major vessel in the posterior mediastinum.
- Variations in venous anatomy can impact diagnostic interpretation.
- Understanding embryological development is crucial for congenital anomaly diagnosis.
Observation:
- A rare case of azygos vein (AV) absence is presented.
- Imaging findings on plain chest radiography and contrast-enhanced spiral computed tomography (CT) were analyzed.
- The presence of the aortic nipple on chest radiographs was noted as a potential indicator.
Findings:
- Absence of the typical azygos vein (AV) shadow on plain chest radiographs.
- Azygos vein (AV) agenesis can be suspected with the absence of the AV shadow and presence of the aortic nipple.
- Computed tomography (CT) provides definitive confirmation of this anomaly.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of azygos vein (AV) absence is important for surgical planning and interpreting thoracic imaging.
- Familiarity with imaging findings aids in identifying this rare congenital venous anomaly.
- Reviewing embryology helps explain the development of azygos and hemiazygos veins (HV).