CT Findings of Azygos Venous System: Congenital Variants and Acquired Structural Changes

Abstract

The azygos venous system is a crucial conduit of the posterior thorax and potentially vital collateral pathway. However, it is often overlooked clinically and radiologically. This pictorial essay reviews the normal azygos venous anatomy and CT findings of congenital variations and structural changes associated with acquired pathologies.

Keywords

• azygos vein
• inferior vena cava
• superior vena cava
• left superior intercostal vein
• collateral pathway