Open AccessAzygos Continuation of the Inferior Vena Cava: Potential for Misdiagnosis as Lung Neoplasm
Author(s) -
Samiullah Shaikh,
Hind Awad,
Anna M. Kelly,
Tadhg G. Gleeson
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
european journal of case reports in internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.125
H-Index - 1
ISSN - 2284-2594
DOI - 10.12890/2021_002385
Subject(s) - medicine , azygos vein , radiology , inferior vena cava , malignancy , lung , superior vena cava , pneumonia , vena cava , venous return curve , surgery , cardiology , pathology , hemodynamics
Background: The azygos venous system is an accessory venous pathway supplying an important collateral circulation between the superior and inferior vena cava (IVC). Case summary: We report a case of complicated community-acquired pneumonia with interruption of the IVC with azygos continuation that was misdiagnosed as lung neoplasm. Discussion: The aim of this case report is to emphasize the importance of recognizing an enlarged azygos vein at the confluence with the superior vena cava and in the retrocrural space to avoid misdiagnosis as a right-sided para-tracheal mass. The angiographic features and clinical importance of this condition are discussed.