The Azygos Vein and Its Pleural Reflections

Migration of jugular or subclavian venous catheters into inferior tributaries of the brachiocephalic veins or into the azygos vein, with possible complications

“…In the thorax the azygos vein ascends along the right side of the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies to the level of T4-T 5 where it arches straight forward over the root of the right lung, to enter the posterolateral aspect of the SVC, just above the reflection of the pericardium over the great vessels. In the frontal chest roentgenogram, the arch of the azygos v. projects end-on over the right tracheobronchial angle, where it may appear as a small rounded nodule [39]. The main thoracic tributaries of the azygos vein are the right superior intercostal vein, the lower posterior intercostal veins, the accessory hemiazygos vein, and the hemiazygos vein.…”

Variations of Arch of Azygos Vein: An Anatomical Overview With Clinical Importance

“…The course of the azygos vein within the mediastinum determines the anatomic arrangement of the posterior right mediastinal pleura. Lung intruding into the mediastinal recesses above and below the azygos arch provides contrast which allows demonstration of detailed normal mediastinal anatomy [4]. Many authors have studied the azygos system and its variations in formation, tributaries and terminations.…”

Subcarinal lymph node enlargement: radiographic findings and CT correlation

“…Heitzman noted that the azygoesophageal recess in some individuals extended cephalad to the carina. He postulated that in such instances the anterior aspect of the recess may intrude under the carina, allowing visualization of the external surface of the medial wall of each major bronchus [5]. However, in most of our normal patients in whom the medial wall of the right main-stem bronchus was seen, this seemed to be attributable to the lower density of subcarinal fat, as demonstrated on CT, and not to lung tissue immediately medial to the bronchus.…”

“…The azygoesophageal recess has been described by Heitzman et al [3,5]. It is formed by the interface of the right lower lobe and the mediastinum behind the esophagus and in front of the azygos vein.…”