Azygos venous flow can be measured by a thermodilution catheter in patients with cirrhosis. This is a useful technique since azygos flow is thought to reflect the superior portosystemic collateral flow in these patients. The authors report 3 cases in which mistaken internal mammary vein cannulation mimicked azygos vein cannulation in the supine fluoroscopic view. A lateral fluroroscopic view con firmed internal mammary cannulation. They suggest that if the azygos arch is unpronounced or flow measurements are unexpectedly low in patients with portal hypertension due to cirrhosis, a lateral view be performed to rule out internal mammary vein cannulation.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Stauffer HM, Labree J., Admas FH: The normally situated arch of the Azygos vein: Its roentgenologic identification and catheterization. Am J Roentgenol66:352-360, 1951.
2.
Doyle FHRead AE, Evans KT: The mediastinum in portal hypertension. Radiology12:114-129, 1961.
3.
Bosch J.Groszmann RJ: Measurement of azygos venous blood flow by a continuous thermal dilution technique: An index of blood flow through gastroesophageal collaterals in cirrhosis. Hepatology3:424-429, 1984.
4.
Braillon A., Cales P., Jiron MI, et al: Estimation du debit sanguin des anastomoses portcaves superieures par la mesure du debit sanguin azygos chez les malades atteints de cirrhose alcoolique. Gastroenterol Clin Biol8:47-51, 1984.
5.
Cales P., Braillon A., Jiron MI, et al: Superior portosystemic collateral circulation estimated by azygos blood flow in patients in cirrhosis. Lack of correlation with esophageal varices and gastrointestinal bleeding. Effect of propranolol. J Hepatol1:37-46, 1984.
6.
Bosch J., Mastai R., Kravetz D., et al: Measurement of azygos venous blood flow in the evaluation of portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis. Clinical and hemodynamic correlation in 100 patients. J Hepatol1:125-139, 1985.
7.
Lebrec D., Hillon P., Munoz C., et al: The effect of propranolol on portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis: A hemodynamic study. Hepatology1:125-139, 1985.
