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Malposition of a central venous catheter (CVC) in the accessory hemiazygos vein is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication; however, there is limited information regarding the preferred removal technique. We report a patient, a 57-year-old woman, who presented with overdose of her prescribed sedatives, who experienced this catheter complication after CVC insertion in the left internal jugular vein. The CVC was placed without resistance but routine postplacement chest X-ray showed abnormal coursing of the catheter close to the descending aorta. We used non-enhanced CT as an adjunct to safely identify the catheter position and assess for any bleeding during removal. CT images taken after retraction of the catheter tip by 10 cm showed no bleeding and we were able to remove the catheter safely. We recommend using CT as an adjunct to safely remove malpositioned catheters and reduce the risk of further complication.

Esophagogastric variceal bleeding is the most common lethal factor for patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension. We firstly developed a laparoscopic splenectomy and azygoportal disconnection (LSD) with intraoperative endoscopic variceal ligation (LSDL) technique. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether LSDL is feasible and safe and whether LSDL can effectively prevent esophagogastric variceal re-bleeding (EVR), as compared with single LSD.In this randomized controlled single-center study, 88 patients with cirrhosis who had esophagogastric variceal bleeding and hypersplenism were randomly assigned to receive either LSD (n = 44) or LSDL (n = 44) between January 2020 and December 2021. The primary outcome was EVR.No patients withdrew from the study. There were no significant differences in estimated blood loss, incidence of blood transfusion, time to first flatus and off-bed activity, or postoperative hospital stay between the two groups. Compared with that in the LSD group, operation time was significantly longer in the LSDL group (138.5 ± 19.4 min vs. 150.3 ± 19.0 min, P 0.05); however, LSDL was associated with a significantly decreased EVR rate at 1-year follow-up (8/44 vs. 1/44, P 0.05). Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression revealed that LSDL was a significant independent protective factor against EVR in comparison with LSD (relative risk: 0.105, 95% confidence interval 0.012-0.877; P = 0.037).Our newly developed LSDL procedure is not only technically feasible and safe; it also contributed to lowering the EVR risk more so than single LSD.We registered our research at https://www.gov/ . The name of research registered is "Laparoscopic Splenectomy and Azygoportal Disconnection with Intraoperative Endoscopic Variceal Ligation." The trial registration identifier at clinicaltrials.gov is NCT04244487.

Azygos vein aneurysm (AVA) is necessary to prevent pulmonary embolism due to the outflow of a thrombus or rupture of the aneurysm. However, there is no established modality to assess the properties of AVA. Time-resolved three-dimensional phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (4D-flow MRI) has been used to examine the hemodynamics in various fields. We report a case of AVA to evaluate the flow variability and adhesions of surrounding tissues using 4D-flow MRI. The findings of the study suggested aneurysm turbulence and the absence of thrombi. The cine image, which showed a sliding wall synchronized to the heartbeat, indicated no adhesion to the superior vena cava. Based on these results, the thoracoscopic approach was deemed possible preoperatively. Thoracoscopic AVA resection was performed, and the postoperative course was uneventful. This study documented the utility of 4D-flow MRI for a detailed evaluation of AVA.

An 18-month-old Springer Spaniel was presented for investigation of ascites, exercise intolerance and suspected cor triatriatum dexter. Division of the right atrium into two separate chambers by an anomalous perforated membrane consistent with cor triatriatum dexter, was confirmed during echocardiography. However, a routine agitated saline contrast (bubble) study yielded results that could not be explained by the congenital heart defect alone. Computed tomography angiography was performed and revealed a dilated ventral internal vertebral venous plexus and a short, dilated vessel in the mid-lumbar region redirecting blood flow away from the caudal vena cava and into the azygos vein. Balloon dilatation of the orifice within the cor triatriatum dexter membrane successfully reduced pressure within the caudal chamber of the right atrium, and enhanced return via the caudal vena cava with subsequent resolution of clinical signs. This case report highlights the use of cross-sectional imaging in dogs with cor triatriatum dexter and unexpected contrast study results, as a means by which concurrent vascular anomalies may be identified.

Chronic liver disease is still a major problem because disease progression will ultimately lead to liver cirrhosis. Portal hypertension is the hallmark in advanced liver disease management. By establishing portal vein access, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been utilized in various clinical applications. In comparison to standard upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, EUS-Doppler has been shown to be a better modality for detecting esophageal and gastric varices along with peri-esophageal collateral veins, para-esophageal collateral veins, and perforating veins, and may be used to objectively predict the recurrence of bleeding. EUS-guided portal vein catheterization has also been proposed to overcome the limitations of trans-jugular approaches. The combination of EUS-elastography and azygos vein evaluation can also enhance the diagnostic accuracy of each modality. Another well-known implementation of EUS-guided procedures is in the management of ascites; particularly in paracentesis and ascitic fluid analysis. In addition, the most common clinical application of EUS in the treatment of portal hypertension is through vascular therapy or creation of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts. Major drawbacks of EUS mainly revolve around technical difficulties, the high cost of the procedure, as well as the requirement of more studies in humans to evaluate EUS-guided advanced therapeutic modalities in portal hypertension.

Teaching Point: Intraspinal azygos vein is an extremely rare anatomical variant; knowledge is important for correct imaging interpretation.

A 14-year-old boy with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) diagnosed at the age of 1 year and with massive left ventricular hypertrophy suffered an episode of ventricular fibrillation during mild effort. He underwent a dual-chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation. The defibrillation threshold testing (DFT) was ineffective. Subcutaneous multi-coli arrays tunneled into the left postero-lateral position and connected to the superior vena cava (SVC) port of the dual-chamber ICD were added to increase the myocardial mass involved in the defibrillation shock pathway. A new DFT was unsuccessful. The patient was transferred to our hospital for myectomy. An epicardial defibrillation patch was placed on the left ventricular lateral wall, but again, DFT testing was ineffective using the right ventricular (RV) coil to lateral patch as shock pathway. Another epicardial defibrillation patch was then placed on the inferior wall. In this case, DFT testing was effective with a defibrillation pathway between the two patches and the can. In November 2015, a high shock impedance alarm was recorded through remote monitoring, thus compromising the safety of the ICD shock pathway. The patient underwent the implant of a new trans-venous defibrillation coil lead in the azygos vein. After few months, the patient developed symptomatic severe aortic regurgitation and underwent an aortic valve replacement. During the operation, DFT testing was performed and was successful. Our case illustrates that azygous vein ICD lead implantation is efficacious in HCM with massive hypertrophy and high DFT, and prompts further studies to systematically investigate its efficacy in this particular subgroup of the HCM population.

Introduction. A combination of two rare congenital lung diseases - congenital cystic-adenomatous malformation of the lower lobe of the left lung and intralobar sequestration of the lung- is an extremely rare pathology in medical practice.Material and methods. The article describes a case of successful treatment of an 8-year-old child with cystic-adenomatous transformation of the lower lobe of the left lung in combination with intralobar sequestration. A child with chronic pneumonia was prescribed CT of his chest organs with intravenous contrast enhancement. A combination of cystic adenomatous malformation with intralobar sequestration of the lung was revealed at this examination. The sequestration zone was supplied with blood via the artery from the thoracic aorta, and the wide vein went towards the opposite hemithorax and flowed into the azygos vein. The patient had a planned surgery: left-sided lateral thoracotomy, lower lobectomy with ligation of additional vessels.Results. The early postoperative period was uneventful. Next year, there were no exacerbations of pneumonia. The child considers himself healthy. The histological report No. 31568 - 31577 confirmed type II cystic adenomatous malformation with sequestration of the lung.Conclusion. Modern diagnostic tools allow to put a correct diagnosis at the preoperative stage. In the described case, possible intraoperative complications were avoided because surgeons knew specific blood supply in the diseased area before surgery.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is an orthostatic headache syndrome with typical MRI findings among which engorgement of the venous sinuses, pachymeningeal enhancement, and effacement of the suprasellar cistern have the highest diagnostic sensitivity. SIH is in almost all cases caused by spinal CSF leaks. Spinal MRI scans showing so-called spinal longitudinal extradural fluid (SLEC) are suggestive of ventral dural tears (type 1 leak) which are located with prone dynamic (digital subtraction) myelography. As around half of the ventral dural tears are located in the upper thoracic spine, additional prone dynamic CT myelography is often needed. Leaking nerve root sleeves typically associated with meningeal diverticulae (type 2 leaks) and CSF-venous fistulas (type 3 leaks) are proven via lateral decubitus dynamic digital subtraction or CT myelography: type 2 leaks are SLEC-positive if the tear is proximal and SLEC-negative if it is distal, and type 3 leaks are always SLEC-negative. Although 30–70% of SIH patients show marked improvement following epidural blood patches applied via various techniques definite cure mostly requires surgical closure of ventral dural tears and surgical ligations of leaking nerve root sleeves associated with meningeal diverticulae or CSF-venous fistulas. For the latter, transvenous embolization with liquid embolic agents via the azygos vein system is a novel and valuable therapeutic alternative.

Background Management of thoracic vascular injury predominantly focuses on the aorta and its tributaries while reports of venous injury are less frequent. Although rare, traumatic azygous vein injuries are associated with high mortality. Prompt treatment is required and has traditionally been open surgery. We present a case of an endovascular repair of an azygous vein injury. Case presentation A female patient presented to our trauma center following ejection after a motor vehicle collision (MVC). CT imaging workup revealed mediastinal and periaortic hematoma with active contrast extravasation adjacent to the azygos vein. She was referred to interventional radiology for vascular evaluation and potential endovascular intervention. The patient met criteria for class III hypovolemic shock upon arrival in the endovascular suite. Aortography demonstrated no arterial injury. Venography revealed a pseudoaneurysm on the superior aspect of the azygos arch and contrast extravasation from the inferior margin of the azygous arch. A stent-graft was deployed and post-deployment venogram showed no extravasation and successful exclusion of the injuries. The patient did not have further signs of bleeding. She left the interventional suite with improved vital signs, yet her condition remained guarded. Follow-up CT chest confirmed continued patency of the stent-graft at 8 days and 2 years post-procedure. Conclusion Historically, azygos vein injuries are a rare occurrence and managed with open surgery. Swift management is necessary to prevent the increased morbidity and mortality associated with azygous vein injury, particularly in polytrauma patients such as the one presented here. We believe endovascular stent-graft treatment offers an innovative alternative to the current standard of operative management of azygos vein injury.

Introduction Given the high variability and fragility of the thoracic duct, good knowledge of its anatomy is essential for its repair or to prevent iatrogenic postoperative chylothorax. The objective of this study was to define a site where the thoracic duct is consistently found for its ligation. The second objective was to define an anatomically safe surgical pathway to prevent iatrogenic chylothorax in surgery for aortic arch anomalies with vascular ring, through better knowledge of the anatomical relationships of the thoracic duct. Methods Seventy adult formalin-fixed cadavers were dissected. The anatomical relationships of the thoracic duct were reported at the postero-inferior mediastinum, at levels T3 and T4. Results The thoracic duct was consistently situated between the left anterolateral border of the azygos vein and the right border of the aorta between levels T9 and T10, whether it was simple, double, or plexiform. It was located medially, anteromedially, or posteriorly to the left subclavian artery in 51%, 21%, and 28% of the cases, respectively, at the level of T3. At T4, it was posteromedial in 27% of the cases or had no direct relationship with the aortic arch. Conclusion These results favor mass ligation of the thoracic duct at levels T9-T10 between the right border of the aorta and the azygos vein, eventually including the latter. To prevent iatrogenic postoperative chylothorax in aortic arch anomalies with vascular ring surgery, we recommend remaining strictly lateral to the left subclavian artery at the level of T3 to reach the aortic arch anomalies with vascular ring at T4.

Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the first-line test in acute pulmonary embolism (APE) diagnostic algorithm, but its correlation with short-term outcome remains not clear at all. The aim is to determine whether CTPA findings can predict 30-day mortality of patients with APE in Emergency Department.This retrospective monocentric study involved 780 patients with APE diagnosed at the Emergency Department of our institution (period 2010-2019). These CTPA findings were evaluated: embolic obstruction burden score (Qanadli score), common pulmonary artery trunk diameter, right-to-left ventricular ratio, azygos vein and coronary sinus diameters. Comorbidities and fatal/nonfatal adverse outcomes within 30 days were recorded. Troponin I values were correlated with angiographic parameters with multiple logistic regression analysis.The all-cause and APE-related 30-day mortality rates were 5.9% and 3.6%, respectively. Patients who died within 30 days were older with higher prevalence rates of malignancy. Qanadli score and all CTPA parameters correlate with Troponin I level and the presence of RVD at echocardiography (p values 0.0001). Instead, RV/LV ratio and coronary sinus diameter correlate with 30-day mortality (p values 0.05). At the multivariate logistic regression analysis, only coronary sinus and RVD remained significant with an HR = 2.5 (95% CI 1.1-5.6) and HR = 1.9 (95% CI 0.95-3.7), respectively.CTPA quantification of right ventricular strain is an accurate predictor of 30-day mortality. In particular, it seems that a dilated coronary sinus (9 mm) has an additional prognostic value in association with echocardiographic signs of right-heart disfunction and high Troponin I levels.

Catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias is usually performed through the femoral venous approach. Systemic venous return anomalies such as interruption of the inferior vena cava may represent a challenge during electrophysiological procedures. A 55-year-old patient with previous surgical correction of abnormal pulmonary venous return was admitted for poorly tolerated atrial flutter recurrences. He also had an interrupted inferior vena cava continuing as azygos vein and left superior vena cava draining via coronary sinus into the right atrium. Cavotricuspid isthmus radiofrequency ablation was successfully performed through the persistent left superior vena cava using a three-dimensional (3D) electroanatomical mapping system. Despite systemic venous abnormalities may potentially have important implications during electrophysiological procedures, arrhythmias can be successfully ablated with the aid of 3D electroanatomical mapping systems.

Background Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is being used to treat esophageal submucosal tumors (SMTs) all over the world. However, this technique is difficult when the tumor is large and located on the left side wall of the esophagus, within the upper mediastinum. This is because, with VATS, the surgical forceps have a limited range of motion. Robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) using the da Vinci surgical system may be extremely useful for enucleation of esophageal SMTs within the narrow upper mediastinum. Case presentation A female in her thirties experiencing epigastric pain visited our hospital and was diagnosed with a large esophageal leiomyoma within the upper mediastinum. From its size (10 cm), it was judged to have malignant potential. We performed SMT enucleation using RATS with a da Vinci surgical system Xi. This was our second case using this system. The patient was placed in the left lateral position. Four da Vinci trocars (8 mm) were inserted into the 10th, 7th, 5th and 3rd intercostal spaces (ICS), and an assist port was added in the 5th ICS. We opened the superior mediastinal pleura cranially and caudally from the arch of the azygos vein and expanded the superior mediastinum after dividing the azygos vein. We made an incision in the muscular layer of the esophagus and, using a monopolar hook and monopolar scissors, enucleated the esophageal tumor in a protective manner so as not to damage its capsule or mucosa while applying appropriate robot-specific counter traction. We then sewed up the muscularis using 4–0 Vicryl, inserting the endoscope into the thoracic esophagus to substitute for a bougie. In addition, the pleura was sutured using barbed suture. The surgical procedure was straightforward and smooth. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4 with no surgical complications. The tumor was definitively diagnosed pathologically from paraffin sections as a benign esophageal leiomyoma. Conclusions RATS enables more delicate and precise esophageal SMT enucleation without surgical complications, though various challenges remain to be overcome.

Superior cavopulmonary anastomosis is a type of palliative cardiac surgeries that usually done in children with cyanotic and complex congenital heart disease who have single ventricle profile. BDG shunt is staged palliation procedure for single ventricle patients who are candidates for total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC). Sometimes the surgeon misses ligating or intentionally leaves the azygos vein as a fenestration or emergency exit. This allows an abnormal flow from the superior vena cava (SVC into azygos vein). These patients can present progressive desaturation, chest tightness, progressive dyspnea, edema and shortness of breath. Therapeutic options include observation, surgical ligation and trans catheter closure. Because of high risks and extra traumas of surgery and greater chance for difficulties and the feasibility of trans catheter therapy, it is done in some centers as a method of choice.

Background Azygos vein aneurysms are extremely rare, and their pathogenesis is not clear. The overwhelming majority of patients have no obvious clinical symptoms and are found to have the disease by physical examination or by chance. There are few reports on the diagnosis of and treatment strategy for this disease. Moreover, the choice of therapeutic schedule and the treatment window are controversial. Case summary We report a case of azygos vein arch aneurysm in a 53-year-old woman. The patient had symptoms of back pain, chest tightness, and choking. Enhanced chest computed tomography showed a soft-tissue mass in the right posterior mediastinum, which was connected to the superior vena cava. The enhancement degree in the venous phase was the same as that of the superior vena cava. The patient received video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. After the operation, her back pain disappeared, and her dysphagia and chest tightness were also significantly relieved. The postoperative pathology confirmed hemangioma. The patient was discharged on the seventh day after surgery without any comp-lications. Conclusion Some patients with hemangioma of the azygos vein arch may experience dysphagia and chest tightness caused by the tumor compressing the esophagus and trachea. Enhanced computed tomography scanning is vital for the diagnosis of azygos vein aneurysms. In addition, despite the difficulty and risk of surgery, thoracoscopic surgery for azygos vein aneurysms is completely feasible.

We present a case of a port malposition into the azygos vein resulting in both a broncho-esophageal and veno-bronchial fistula. While complications of central venous catheter malposition into the azygos vein are well documented in literature, these unique complications have not yet been described. This case underscores how utilizing state of the art technology like intra-cavity electrocardiography rather that reliance on fluoroscopy can help eliminate catheter malposition and its potential catastrophic consequences.

Background: Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) has been widely used. The catheter-related complications might occur and the reports of secondary malposition into azygos veins were rare. Methods: This retrospective review summarized the experience in diagnosis and management of secondary malposition of PICC into azygos veins in 25 cases. Results: When the catheter dysfunction occurred in the PICC on the left limb, it was necessary to consider whether there would be malposition into azygos veins after other reasons were excluded. The malposition could be diagnosed by chest lateral radiograph or chest computed tomography. The secondary malposition into azygos veins was resolved by repositioning or withdrawing the PICC. After re-inserting the catheter, it should be closely monitored whether the malposition occurred again. Intracavitary electrocardiogram positioning technology was used to confirm the catheter tip position before using corrosive drug. After the catheters withdrawn from the azygos veins, close attention should be paid to the property and concentration of the infusion drug strictly and the complications such as blockage and re-malposition. No serious complications such as infection, thrombosis and extravasation occurred in this group of patients after treatment. Conclusions: The results of our study suggested that the right limb is recommended for PICC catheterization in order to avoid secondary malposition into azygos veins and the malposition into azygos veins should be dealt with in time.

Introduction: Exercise pulmonary hypertension (exPH) has been defined as total pulmonary resistance (TPR) >3 mm Hg/L/min and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) >30 mm Hg, albeit with a considerable risk of false positives in elderly patients with lower cardiac output during exercise. Methods:We retrospectively analysed patients with unclear dyspnea receiving right heart catheterisation at rest and exercise (n=244) between January 2015 and January 2020. Lung function testing, blood gas analysis, and echocardiography were performed. We elaborated a combinatorial score to advance the current definition of exPH in an elderly population (mean age 67.0 years±11.9). A stepwise regression model was calculated to non-invasively predict exPH. Results: Analysis of variables across the achieved peak power allowed the creation of a model for defining exPH, where three out of four criteria needed to be fulfilled: Peak power ≤100 Watt, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ≥18 mm Hg, pulmonary vascular resistance >3 Wood Units, and mPAP ≥35 mm Hg. The new scoring model resulted in a lower number of exPH diagnoses than the current suggestion (63.1% vs. 78.3%). We present a combinatorial model with vital capacity (VCmax) and valvular dysfunction to predict exPH (sensitivity 93.2%; specificity 44.2%, area under the curve 0.73) based on our suggested criteria. The odds of the presence of exPH were 2.1 for a 1 l loss in VCmax and 3.6 for having valvular dysfunction. Conclusion: We advance a revised definition of exPH in elderly patients in order to overcome current limitations. We establish a new non-invasive approach to predict exPH by assessing VCmax and valvular dysfunction for early risk stratification in elderly patients.

Background Azygos vein aneurysm (AVA) is a rare thoracic pathological entity that mimics a posterior mediastinal mass. However, the pathogenesis of primary azygos vein aneurysms is not clear and its pathology is still being discussed. Some of the AVA are asymptomatic and usually discovered accidentally by routine physical examination. Case presentation We report the case of a 37-year-old woman who had an azygos vein arch aneurysm with no obvious clinical symptoms. With the analysis of clinical features of the case and AVA morphological characteristics, the AVA was found by a chest computed tomography. Then, enhanced chest computed tomography showed a soft-tissue mass (4.9 × 3.7 × 3.2 cm) in the right posterior mediastinum, which was connected to the superior vena cava and significantly enhanced with contrast agent stratification. The density of the tumor in the delayed stage was the same as that in the azygos vein. The patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Histopathological evaluation of the surgical biopsy specimen proved to be a completely thrombosed aneurism of the azygos vein arch. Conclusions AVA is a rare pathology that must be taken into consideration during the differential diagnosis of right posterior mediastinal masses. Thoracoscopic surgery is one of the most preferred treatment options for azygos vein aneurysm.

The occurrence of an anomaly of the upper lobe of the right lung is due to an unusual passage of the azygos vein. In the process of embryonic development, the azygos vein is initially located in the posterior mediastinum to the right of the spine, reaches the level of the IV-V thoracic vertebra, here it bends through the root of the right lung and flows into the superior vena cava.

As regard human anatomy the azygos lobe is considered a congenital anomaly of the upper lobe of the right lung. In embryolog, the pleural septum of the upper lobe the lateral course of azygos vein arises in abnormal manner. It considered not a true lobe as it has no vessels, bronchi or even accessory, pulmonary lobe, but considered separated part of the upper lobe. It is usually discovered accidentally on chest x-ray or computed tomography and is not associated with any morbidity but can cause technical problems in thoraco-scopic maneuvers. Conclusion and Clinical Message Azygos vein laterally displaced into apical segment of right upper lobe leading to deep pleural fissure during embryological development resulting in formation of azygos lobe. No problem or disease result from this anatomical variant but must be considered during thoracic surgeries as also it is not even accessory lobe as it does not has normal structures of true lobe. Azygos lobe is found in 1% of anatomic specimens .

Background: Heterotaxy syndrome is associated with a plethora of cardiovascular and other multi-system anomalies with a high childhood mortality. A dilated azygos vein as part of the polysplenia variant of heterotaxy syndrome may cause oesophageal stenosis owing to a prolonged compression. We describe our technique of extramediastinal oesophago-oesophagostomy in the prone position for this rare congenital syndromic malformation with an excellent outcome. Patients and Methods: A 17-year-old boy with heterotaxy syndrome presented with intermittent dysphagia and postprandial emesis with failure to thrive. Despite the presence of diverse anatomic abnormalities, it was only his symptom of dysphagia due to oesophageal stricture that merited surgical intervention. He underwent an azygos-preserving extramediastinal oesophago-oesophagostomy in the prone position without segmental resection with the establishment of continuity using a modified Collard-type anastomosis. Results: The patient had an uneventful convalescence, with imaging after 1 year showing no re-stenosis. After a follow-up of 3 years, the patient is free of symptoms and has gained weight. Conclusion: Oesophageal stenosis may result from prolonged compression by anomalous vasculature. An isolated correctable anatomic derangement, young age with good functional reserve, other associated anomalies not causing any symptoms, the physiological advantages of executing the surgery in a prone position and availability of expertise in minimally invasive surgery ensured excellent outcomes. The hitherto unreported technique may open up avenues for further research regarding the behaviour of the oesophageal muscular tube with transection and re-anastomosis for rare benign abnormalities.

Introduction Kidney and liver cysts in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) can compress the inferior vena cava (IVC), but IVC compression prevalence and its risk factors are unknown. Methods Patients who have ADPKD (n = 216) with abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies and age-/sex-matched controls (n = 216) were evaluated for IVC compression as well as azygous vein diameter (a marker of collateral blood flow) and IVC aspect ratio (left-to-right dimension divided by anterior-to-posterior dimension with a value of 1 corresponding to a circular (high pressure) IVC caudal to compression. Results Severe IVC compression (≥70%) was observed in 33 (15%) ADPKD subjects and mild compression (≥50% to 40 years old, with Mayo Clinic class 1D/E, and in females with ht-LV > 2000 ml/m., Graphical abstract

Teratoma is a common type of mediastinal tumor, often located in the anterior mediastinum. Mediastinal teratomas often occur in young and middle-aged people, and account for 5–21.5% of mediastinal tumors. Mature cystic teratoma is a common type of mediastinal teratoma, its onset is slow, and most patients are asymptomatic. In a few patients, the tissue around the mediastinum is invaded or there is malignant transformation, which results in chest pain, chest tightness, a cough, and other symptoms. In this case, the patient had a giant teratoma, compressing large blood vessels and nerves, complicated by pleural and pericardial effusion. The 21-year-old female patient was misdiagnosed with tuberculous disease because of chronic cough and expectoration. Her initial symptoms improved after anti-tuberculosis treatment; however, an imaging examination showed that the lesion had enlarged some 9 months later. Surgery was performed at our hospital, as the tumor was squeezing blood vessels, and the trachea was seriously adhering to the surrounding tissue. To avoid damage to the peripheral blood vessels and nerves, many residual tissues were retained after the operation. The post-operative pathology results confirmed that the patient had a mature mediastinal cystic teratoma. One year after the operation, there was no recurrence, the peripheral blood vessels had basically returned, and the patient did not have any nerve injury. Effusion caused by mediastinal teratoma should be carefully differentiated from tuberculous diseases to avoid unnecessary damage to patients during treatment. Separation can be difficult in benign mediastinal tumors with severe adhesion. To avoid the trauma caused by the excessive separation of a tumor, it is our view that part of the residual tissue should be retained and left to be absorbed naturally.

BACKGROUND Ipsilateral shoulder pain (ISP) is a common problem after pulmonary surgery. We hypothesized that phrenic nerve block (PNB) at the azygos vein level, near the location of the surgical operation, would be effective for reducing ISP. Our primary aim was to assess the effect of PNB on postoperative ISP, following video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). METHODS This prospective, randomized, patient-blinded, single-institution trial was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN000030464). Enrolled patients had been scheduled for VATS under general anesthesia with epidural analgesia. Patients were randomly allocated to receive infiltration of the ipsilateral phrenic nerve at the azygos vein level with either 10 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine (PNB group) or 0.9% saline (control group) before chest closure. Postoperative ISP was assessed using a numerical rating scale (NRS, 0-10) at rest at 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours. The incidence of ISP was defined as the proportion of patients who reported an NRS score of ≥1 at least once within 24 hours after surgery. In the primary analysis, the proportion of patients with ISP was compared between PNB and control groups using the χ2 test. NRS values of ISP and postoperative incision pain within 24 hours were investigated, as was the frequency of postoperative analgesic use. Incision pain was assessed using an NRS at the time of ISP assessment. Finally, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting and shoulder movement disorders were also evaluated. RESULTS Eighty-five patients were included, and their data were analyzed. These patients were randomly assigned to either PNB group (n = 42) or control group (n = 43). There were no clinically relevant differences in demographic and surgical profiles between the groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of ISP (the control group 20/43 [46.5%] versus the PNB group 14/42 [33.3%]; P = .215). The severity of ISP was lower in the PNB group than in the control group (linear mixed-effects model, the main effect of treatment [groups]: P < .001). There were no significant differences between groups in terms of postoperative incision pain. The frequency of postoperative analgesic use was significantly higher in the control group (Wilcoxon rank sum test, P < .001). Postoperative nausea and vomiting did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. There were no changes in the range of shoulder joint movement. CONCLUSIONS Azygos vein level PNB did not significantly affect the incidence of ISP after VATS.

Introduction: Azygos system of veins comprising unpaired azygos vein and its main tributary, the hemiazygos veins. Variations have been observed in formation, course of azygos vein, also in its, tributaries and anastomoses. Objectives: To observe azygos venous system pattern. Materials: 50 embalmed human cadavers irrespective of their sex and age. Methods: Following Anson’s classification system in which azygos venous system having vertical and horizontal connections which include three basic types, primitive or embryological types, transient type, and single type as and their eleven subgroups. Results: The basic type pattern in all the specimens (100%) was transitional type. In subgroups: atypical type observed in 12 specimens (24%). group 5 & group 6B was observed in 11 specimens (22%), group 2 was observed in five specimens (10%), group 4 was observed in five specimens (10%), group 7 was observed in 3 specimens (06%), group 10 was observed in 03 specimens (06%). Conclusion: The importance’s of variations in the pattern of azygos venous system which has to be identified during computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of mediastinum may be confused with aneurysm, lymphadenopathy and other abnormalities like tumor. During surgery of large vessel and the mediastinal operations, these kinds of azygos venous system pattern variations have to keep in the mind. Keywords: Azygos vein, Morphology, Azygos venous system types.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of thoracoscopic placement of three vascular attenuation devices by using the azygos vein as a model for portoazygos (PA) shunts and to describe the approach for thoracoscopic placement of these attenuation devices in small breed dogs. Study design Randomized, prospective, cadaveric study. Animals Cadavers of 10 adult small breed dogs. Methods Cadavers were placed in sternal recumbency with left dorsolateral obliquity, and three thoracoscopic ports were established in the right hemithorax at the mid-10th intercostal space and dorsal third of the ninth and 11th intercostal spaces. The caudal azygos vein was thoracoscopically isolated along three adjacent segments bordered by four intercostal arteries, beginning just cranial to the first intercostal artery visualized cranial to the diaphragm. Three attenuation devices including coated cellophane, uncoated cellophane, and a 5-mm ameroid constrictor were thoracoscopically placed around one segment in each dog. Minor port access modifications were required to improve working space and triangulation in three dogs. Ability to successfully place the device, time required for placement, endoscopic clip configuration, and complications associated with placement were recorded. Results Median dog weight was 7.7 kg (range, 1.8-11). All attenuation devices were successfully placed thoracoscopically in all cadavers. No difference was detected in time required for placement between the ameroid constrictor and coated and uncoated cellophane (range, 2.3-33.8 minutes, P = .8). Conclusion Ameroid constrictors and thin film bands were consistently placed via thoracoscopy around the caudal azygos vein of small breed dogs. Clinical significance These results justify further investigation of thoracoscopic PA shunt attenuation in affected dogs.

Objective To describe a technique for anastomosis of the thoracic duct (TD) to the 11th or 12th intercostal vein (ICV) using a microvascular anastomotic coupler (MAC) in the dog. Study design Cadaveric study. Animals Eight beagles. Methods A right paracostal laparotomy and 10th intercostal thoracotomy were performed in each dog. Mesenteric contrast lymphography was used to identify the TD and its branches on fluoroscopy. The TD and adjacent 11th or 12th ICV were isolated, double ligated, and divided using a surgical microscope. The caudal TD and proximal ICV were anastomosed in an end-to-end fashion using a 1.5 mm or 2 mm MAC. Mesenteric lymphography was repeated to document patency of the anastomosis. Results The TD was identified via lymphography in all dogs; five dogs had a single duct, and three dogs had additional branches. The anastomosis was successful in all eight dogs, and flow into the azygos vein without leakage was confirmed via lymphography. Conclusion End-to-end anastomosis of the TD to an ICV using a MAC was technically feasible in the canine cadaver. Clinical significance Lymphaticovenous anastomosis combined with TD ligation may have application as a treatment for idiopathic chylothorax. By maintaining the flow of chyle from the abdominal lymphatics to the systemic circulation, this procedure may reduce the stimulus for collateral circulation and persistent flow to the cranial mediastinal lymphatics.

The study highlights azygos vein (AV) topography, arrangement and confluence morphometry in dyspnoea and tachycardia patients of extrapulmonary and extracardiac aetiology. Computed-tomography angiography of 25 male and 26 female patients (mean age 66.5 years) were studied for: thoracic vertebral (T) height of AV- superior vena cava-SVC confluence, AV course and deviations from vertebral column (VC) midline, AV and SVC diameters, distance (AV arch- lower border of carina) and gender and age impact. Commonest heights of the AV-SVC confluence were T5 (56.9%), T4 (31.4%), T6 (9.8%) and T3 (2%). The AV terminated into SVC after crossing the left side of VC midline in 56.9%, slightly deviated right of the midline in 37.3% and coursed right of VC in 5.9%. Mean AV and SVC diameters were 0.96 ± 0.18 cm and 1.86 ± 0.27 cm. Male predominance in AV and SVC diameters and a slight AV diameter significant increase with the age were found. The (AV highest point—lower border of carina) mean distance was 2.05 ± 0.44 cm and male predominance existed. The commonest termination height of the AV was T5, while T3 was the rarest one. Aging induces the AV leftward displacement, while gender had no impact. AV and SVC diameters had higher significant values in males, while ageing had a significant impact only in AV diameter. The AV higher diameters will be used as predictors for higher values of SVC diameter and mediastinum pathology. Such findings can be useful in mediastinal surgery, mediastinoscopy and surgery of VC deformations, neurovascular surgery of retroperitoneal organs, disc herniation and T fractures.

An azygos vein varix was incidentally discovered in a 26-year-old man. Owing to the potential risk of pulmonary emboli, we implanted a covered stent in the superior vena cava, effectively excluding the varix. Eighth months later, the varix was thrombosed and involuted. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.), Graphical abstract

A 28-year-old woman with polysplenia was referred to our hospital for atrial lead failure. She had undergone an intracardiac repair (ICR) for incomplete atrioventricular septal defect and the implantation of epicardial pacing leads due to complete atrioventricular block at the age of 1 year. When she was 13 years old, an endocardial dual-chamber pacemaker was implanted via the right subclavian vein because of epicardial lead failure. The contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed an inferior vena cava defect with an azygos vein connection to the superior vena cava, occlusion of the right brachiocephalic vein, a defect of the left brachiocephalic vein, and a persistent left superior vena cava ligated at the ICR. Therefore, lead exchange was indicated. During the operation, the temporary pacing lead and the guidewire for emergent deployment of the Bridge Occlusion Balloon® were advanced through the azygos vein and placed at the right ventricle and the hepatic vein, respectively. Both 11-Fr and 13-Fr mechanical rotational dilator sheaths were needed for the lead extraction owing to dense calcification and tight adhesions. The atrial lead was successfully extracted without any complications despite extremely restricted venous access. A new atrial lead was inserted through the space created by the 13-Fr sheath.

Background With the popularization of thoracoscopic surgery, more and more macrovascular malformations have been reported. Understanding some vascular malformations with relatively fixed anatomical site and their range of drainage could avoid severe complications during the surgery. Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a common thoracic vascular malformation, and is always combined with other cardiovascular dysplasia. As for the patient with upper left lung cancer in this case, he had PLSVC and left azygos vein, and non-metastatic enlargement of the lymph nodes at the same time, which had influenced the decisions on surgery and treatment. We made a summary of experience regarding this. Case presentation A 46-years-old male patient, his CT found a space-occupying lesion in the superior lobe of the left lung. The chest CT showed that the patient had PLSVC and left azygos vein, and multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the mediastinum. The patient received thoracoscopic upper left lung lobectomy and lymph node dissection. It was discovered that the left azygos vein had a concealed form, which influenced the lymph node dissection. The post-surgery pathology showed that there was squamous cell carcinoma in the upper left lung (pT2bN0M0 p Phase IIA) and no cancer metastasis with the lymph nodes. The patient had a good post-surgery recovery. Conclusions PLSVC is not rare, and is always combined with other vascular malformations. If discovering PLSVC before surgery, we suggest completing chest enhanced CT and vascular reconstruction, to find out other cardiovascular malformations that may exist. Left azygos vein is a rare vascular malformation, but it has a relatively fixed anatomical site, and always co-exists with PLSVC, therefore, understanding anatomy of left azygos vein is good for preventing accidental damage. Especially when performing surgery above the left pulmonary artery trunk, attention shall be paid to preventing damage to the left azygos vein. In addition, as for the patient with the diagnosis of lung cancer before surgery, it is not reliable to judge whether there is metastasis or not merely according to the size of the lymph nodes, instead, PET-CT or needle biopsy is recommended.

For critically ill patients, central venous catheterization may not always be placed in a correct tip position, even when guided by ultrasound. A case of inadvertent catheterization into azygos vein is described.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) anomalies, such as the absence of an intra-hepatic IVC or IVC hypoplasia, are rare. Usually, these anomalies are asymptomatic and cause few clinical issues. We herien report a 53-year-old woman with IVC anomalies who demonstrated both azygos and portal vein system continuation. Over time, this resulted in gradually progressive portal hypertension due to abnormal hemodynamics. The increased inflow from the IVC to the portal vein system for an extended time may contribute to the development of portal hypertension without liver cirrhosis.

Some patients with intestinal failure, who are dependent on total parenteral nutrition for long periods, suffer from a lack of suitable conventional venous access points, including axillary, external jugular, internal jugular, subclavian, saphenous, and the brachio-cephalic and femoral veins, due to their occlusion. Furthermore, extensive central venous stenosis and/or thrombosis of the superior and inferior vena cava may preclude further catheterization, so uncommon routes must be used, which can be challenging. In such patients, the azygos vein via the intercostal vein is a viable candidate. Thoracotomy-assisted, thoracoscopy-assisted, and cut-down procedures are currently suggested such access. We found that ultrasound-guided percutaneous puncture method was a safe and minimally invasive approach and successfully placed two central venous lines in preparation for small bowel transplantation via two different intercostal veins (ninth and tenth). Although the lung was actually located just below the target veins, an ultrasound provided augmented and clear vision, which contributed to the safe performance of the procedure without the need for invasive surgical intervention, such as thoracotomy, thoracoscopy, or rib resection using the cut-down technique. Furthermore, constant positive-pressure ventilation during vein puncture under general anesthesia also helps avoid venous collapse. Despite carrying a slight risk of light injury to the lung, artery, and nerve along with the vein compared to other procedures, we believe that ultrasound-guided puncture under general anesthesia is feasible as a minimally invasive method.

Double aortic arch (DAA) is a rare congenital anomaly of the heart and aorta in which a vascular ring that surrounds the trachea and esophagus is formed. In most patients, respiratory distress and dysphagia develop in childhood, and asymptomatic adult patients are rarely known. Herein, we describe a patient with lung cancer and DAA. A 66‐year‐old man who had DAA underwent video‐assisted thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection for primary lung cancer. Lymph node dissection of the right upper mediastinum revealed that the right recurrent laryngeal nerve branched from the right vagus nerve just beneath the right aortic arch. Additionally, the right aortic arch narrowed the space surrounding the trachea, superior vena cava, and arch of the azygos vein, impeding the stapling of the truncus anterior artery and right upper lobe pulmonary vein with the video‐assisted thoracoscopic approach. Key points Significant findings of the study In double aortic arch, the recurrent laryngeal nerve branches from the vagus nerve just beneath the ipsilateral aortic arch.The right aortic arch narrows the space surrounding the trachea, superior vena cava, and arch of the azygos vein. What this study adds The anatomy of a double aortic arch impedes mediastinal lymph node dissection on the ventral side of the trachea. Handling autosuture devices for stapling pulmonary arteries and veins is also difficult., Double aortic arch (DAA) is a rare congenital anomaly of the heart and aorta in which a vascular ring that surrounds the trachea and esophagus is formed. A 66‐year‐old man who had DAA underwent video‐assisted thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection for primary lung cancer. Lymph node dissection of the right upper mediastinum revealed that the right recurrent laryngeal nerve branched from the right vagus nerve just beneath the right aortic arch.

BACKGROUND Vena cava anomalies are rare congenital defects due to incorrect development during fetal life, ranging from minor asymptomatic anatomic variations to complex life-threatening abnormalities. Echocardiography plays a fundamental role in the diagnosis, with advanced imaging techniques allowing detailed anatomic delineation. Invasive cardiology techniques are a promising therapeutic approach, but surgery is probably the best option when diffuse compromise of the systemic veins is present. CASE REPORT An 8-month-old infant presenting episodes of labial cyanosis and a failure to thrive was diagnosed with severe superior vena cava (SVC) stenosis at the right atrium ostium, with decompression via azygos vein and mild inferior vena cava (IVC) stenosis. The patient was referred for surgery, with IVC enlargement and removal of a fibromuscular tissue band on the anterior aspect of the SVC ostium. At a 6-month follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic, with excellent surgical outcome. To the authors' knowledge, only two cases of congenital SVC stenosis have been previously described.

This study aims to report the Budd-Chiari syndrome clinical research status and progress that has occurred in over nearly 30 years in China, and emphasize the value of imaging in facilitating the diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome based on more than 2500 cases. Findings on ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and digital subtraction angiography images are used to propose new Budd-Chiari syndrome types and subtypes. The new subtype classification presented here has important value for guiding interventional treatment. This study also proposes a new concept of anatomical and functional obstruction of hepatic vein that stresses the compensatory value of accessory hepatic vein and azygos vein and describes the risk of manipulation of the communication branch of inferior vena cava obstruction in interventional therapy.

Azygos system of veins is the main source of venous drainage from the thoracic wall. Knowledge of azygos vein anomalies could be of importance to cardiothoracic surgeons and radiologists. We report a rare variation of azygos vein as seen in an adult male cadaver aged 65 years approximately. The azygos vein was formed by the union of left ascending lumbar and subcostal veins. It coursed upwards on the left side of descending thoracic aorta and crossed the left subclavian artery and the left vagus to terminate into the left brachiocephalic vein. It received left superior intercostal vein and left fifth to eleventh posterior intercostal veins. The hemiazygos and accessory hemiazygos veins were situated on the right side of the vertebral column. They received the right posterior intercostal veins and terminated into the azygos vein at the level of eighth thoracic vertebra.

Digestive system complications are among the most important causes of postoperative poor quality of life after open and conventional laparoscopic splenectomy and azygoportal disconnection (CLSD). We firstly developed a modified vagus nerve-preserving laparoscopic splenectomy and azygoportal disconnection (MVLSD). In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether MVLSD is feasible and safe and to determine whether MVLSD can effectively eliminate postoperative digestive system complications, in comparison with CLSD. In this randomized controlled single-center study, 60 patients with cirrhosis were randomly assigned to undergo either CLSD (n = 30) or MVLSD (n = 30) between April and December 2018. The primary outcome was delayed gastric emptying (DGE). Endoscopic physicians were blinded to group assignments. One patient who received MVLSD withdrew from the study. There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, incidence of blood transfusion, time to off-bed activity, time to first flatus, and postoperative hospital stay between the two groups. Compared with CLSD, operation time and incidences of DGE, diarrhea, epigastric fullness, and overall postoperative complications were all significantly reduced in the MVLSD group (all P

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effectiveness of azygos vein preservation when using a thoracoscope in the operation for type III esophageal atresia for children. Mat...

Anterior surgical approaches to the thoracic spine are common procedures for the treatment of many diseases of the thoracic spine. Purpose of this anatomic study is to investigate the course of the segmental vessels of the thoracic spine for the anterior and lateral transthoracic approach from the right side. 26 formalin-fixed human cadavers (20 femaless/6 male) with an average age of 84.9 ± 8.3 (range 67–97) were included. The segmental arteries and veins of the right thoracic cavity coursing between the third and twelfth thoracic vertebral body have been investigated. To define the localization of the vessels in accordance with the associated vertebral bodies, the distance between the endplates and vessels was measured in the ventral, middle and dorsal parts. The results of the study reveal that not only one, but also two segmental arteries and veins may course over the right hemi-vertebral body, especially in the upper and middle thoracic spine. Furthermore, in the middle and lower thoracic spine (T7–T12) the vessels course over the middle and lower third of the craniocaudal extent of the vertebral body. On the contrary, in the upper thoracic spine (T3–T6), the vessels may course over the entire extent of the vertebral body. Due to these common anatomic variations and variability of the course of the segmental vessels, spinal surgeons should remain careful in the identification of the segmental vessels in order to minimize risk of vascular injury in case of right-sided anterior and lateral approach to the thoracic spine.

Background Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus in the arch of the azygos vein has not been reported to date. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can decrease the stage in patients with advanced preoperative tumor staging, regaining surgical opportunities and significantly prolonging progression-free survival and overall survival. Herein, we present a case of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma accompanied by tumor thrombus in the arch of the azygos vein, and the patient underwent radical surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Case presentation A 63-year-old male with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma was found to have tumor thrombus formation in the arch of the azygos vein. Four courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with the TP regimen (paclitaxel plus nedaplatin) were given. Reexamination revealed a significant reduction in tumor and tumor thrombus volume. Therefore, McKeown radical resection for esophageal cancer and removal of the tumor thrombus in the arch of the azygos vein were performed. Postoperative pathology suggested complete remission of the esophageal tumor and the presence of small focal cancer tissues in the arch of the azygos vein. Conclusion We report a case of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus formation in the azygos vein. We conducted radical resection after 4 rounds of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and the pathological results revealed complete remission of the tumor. We report our experience addressing this rare case, and we hope to find the underlying mechanism of tumor thrombus formation and whether it has any effects on prognosis in our future study.

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is one of the cardiac system abnormalities with a 0.3-0.5% incidence and caused by inadequate obliteration of the left anterior cardinal vein during embryonic development. Prognosis of PLSVC is generally assumed to be good if it is not accompanied by other cardiac system abnormalities. During the routine ultrasound control of a patient at 25th week of pregnancy at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Mersin University, PLSVC anomaly was detected in an intrauterine fetus. Then, intrauterine death occurred and after removal of the deceased fetus, PLSVC diagnosis was confirmed by autopsy. According to the autopsy findings, right superior vena cava (SVC) and azygos vein were found in normal course. PLSVC opened into the right atrium via enlarged coronary sinus. There was no connection between the two SVCs. On the left side of posterior mediastinum, instead of hemiazygos or accessory hemiazygos veins, a vein symmetrical to azygos was opened into PLSVC, similar to the one on the right. No other cardiac anomaly associated with PLSVC or any other pathology in the other parts of body that could be responsible for death was discovered during autopsy. There was no evidence indicating that PLSVC played any role in intrauterine exitus of the present case. However, as mentioned in the literature, the ectopic beats in the atrium wall of patients with isolated PLSVC and enlarged coronary sinus may lead to pathologies in the conduction system of the heart. Considering the intrauterine death of an isolated PLSVC case associated with cardiac conduction pathologies, we recommend that the common assumption of 'isolated PLSVC is not associated with death' should be reviewed by studies on large series and even intrauterine cases should be closely monitored for cardiac arrhythmia.

To describe fetal spectrum and echocardiographic characteristics of interrupted inferior vena cava (IIVC) with azygos/hemiazygous continuation without other structural heart defects and to evaluate its association with visceral heterotaxy and isomerism, extracardiac and genetic anomalies, and to review neonatal outcome.This was a retrospective study of 14 fetuses with a confirmed diagnosis of IIVC with normal intracardiac anatomy. The following variables were collected; indication for referral, gestational age at diagnosis; associated isomerism and visceral heterotaxy, heart rhythm, genetic and extracardiac abnormalities, and fetal/neonatal outcome.Among 36 fetuses with IIVC, 14 cases (38.8%) had normal intracardiac anatomy. These IIVC cases correspond to 0.19% (14/7250) of all fetal cardiac examinations, and to 1.5% (14/922) of all cardiac abnormalities. Six patients had visceral abnormalities. Atrial appendage morphology was clearly depicted in three fetuses, both appendages were left. One fetus had bradyarrhythmia revealing atrial ectopic rhythm. Six fetuses did not have any concomitant cardiac or visceral abnormalities, therefore regarded as isolated. All babies were delivered at term with a good prognosis.Our study has shown that almost half of the IIVC cases without intracardiac structural anomalies displayed other findings of isomerism while the other half was isolated benign vascular variant. Therefore, prenatal diagnosis of IIVC should prompt a comprehensive evaluation for cardiac, situs, and visceral anomalies. The outcome is favorable.

A 43-year-old asymptomatic patient was diagnosed with an azygos vein aneurysm on contrast-enhanced computed tomography; at the 5-year follow-up, contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed development of an azygos vein aneurysm. However, preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography at our hospital showed thrombus development along with shrinkage of the azygos vein aneurysm. To prevent thrombus dissemination, we decided to perform surgery. The aneurysm was excised via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, and the patient recovered uneventfully. Thoracoscopic surgery is effective in managing azygos vein aneurysms and preventing embolisms in thrombotic aneurysms. This procedure was chosen to avoid excessive compression of aneurysms and to prevent pulmonary embolism. This report presents a case of surgical management of an idiopathic azygos vein aneurysm with thrombosis.Clinical registration number 2020-S-20.