A rare case of absence of the azygos vein associated with double superior vena cava is presented. Imaging findings on plain chest film and on contrast-enhanced computed tomography are described, and the embryology of azygos and hemiazygos veins is reviewed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Hatfield KH, Vyborny CJ, MacMahon H., et al: Congenital absence of the azygos vein: a cause for "aortic nipple" enlargement. Am J Roentgenol149:273-274, 1987.
2.
Kullning P., Melzer G., Hausegger K., et al: Computed tomographic diagnosis of left superior vena cava and absence of the azygos vein: Case report. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol13:47-49, 1990.
3.
Karpowicz S. : Une variation de la veine mediane de dos en coincidence avec le defaut de la veine azygos. CR SeancesAcad Sci3:27-32, 1934.
4.
Black MD, Freedom RM: Azygos vein agenesis and PAPVR: A potential surgical hazard. Ann Thorac Surg64:1829-1831, 1997.
5.
Caggiati A., Barberini F.: Partial agenesis of the azygos vein: A case report. Ann Anat178:273-275, 1996.
6.
Ortale JR, Grill EH: A case of bilateral superior vena cava with variations in the azygos system and in the heart. Ann Anat176:323-325, 1994.
7.
Glasgow AF: Persistent left superior vena cava with bilateral azygos system in an adult . Br Heart J25:264-266, 1963.
8.
Bartram U., Praagh SV, Levine JC, et al: Absent right superior vena cava in visceroatrial situs solitus . Am J Cardiol80:175-183, 1997.
9.
Mori C., Hashimoto H., Hoshino K.: Two cases of double superior vena cava. Jpn Heart J6:881-888, 1990.
10.
Williams PL, Warwick R, Dyson M, et al, eds: Grays's Anatomy, ed. 37. London : Churchill Livingstone, Longman , 1992.
11.
Lane EJ, Heitzman ER, Dinn WM: The radiology of the superior intercostal veins. Radiology120:263-267, 1976.
12.
McDonalds CJ , Catellino RA, Blank N.: The aortic "nipple": The left superior intercostal vein. Radiology96:533-536, 1970.
13.
Winter FS: Persistent left superior vena cava. Angiology5:90-132, 1954.
14.
Dillon EH, Camputaro C.: Partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage of the left upper lobe vs duplication of the superior vena cava: Distinction based on CT findingsAm J Roentgenol160:375-379, 1993.
