Cadaveric dissection of connection between accessory hemiazygos vein and left brachiocephalic vein

The azygos system of veins has many anatomical variations that can impact mediastinal and vascular interventions. While radiological reports on these are of great clinical value, this study is among the first to present a high-quality cadaveric dissection of a rare anatomical variant to supplement previously published radiologic studies. The azygos venous system consists of the azygos vein (AV), hemiazygos vein (HAV), and the accessory hemiazygos vein (AHAV), which develop from the last portion of the posterior cardinal veins. The normal anatomical configuration includes drainage of the posterior intercostal veins, vertebral vein, esophageal veins, HAV, and AHAV to an unpaired right-side AV at the level of the 8th/9th thoracic vertebra. The reported incidence of AHAV draining directly into the left brachiocephalic vein is 1-2%.

An adult formalin-fixed 70-year-old female cadaver was dissected as part of a medical gross anatomy elective course.

Gross documentation of a direct connection of the HAV to the AHAV with the AHAV draining into the left brachiocephalic vein.

It is important to note the variations of the azygos system to avoid confusion with a potential pathology such as mediastinal masses. Understanding of the rare variant reported here could be useful in the prevention of iatrogenic bleeding from the misplacement of venous catheters and help facilitate radiological diagnosis in the incidence of venous clot formation.