Mediastinal radiographic abnormality caused by anomalous venous drainage: how often is it seen in Afro-Americans?

An abnormal superior mediastinal density seen on a chest x-ray led to computerized tomography scan detection of an enlarged azygous vein produced by anomalous embryologic development of the inferior vena cava. This potentially clinically important abnormality is uncommon and statistics indicating its frequency are best available from the Japanese. In addition to alerting clinicians to this abnormality, a plea is made for review of autopsy series in Afro-Americans by pathologists in order to determine potential risks in a variety of surgical procedures.