Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Thorax, Anatomy, Veins / Vena cava, CT-Angiography, Catheter venography, MR-Angiography, Education, Normal variants, eLearning, Education and training
Authors:
D. Bulja, S. Beslic; Sarajevo/BA
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2013/C-0912
Conclusion
According to our experience venous abnormalities in the thorax are relatively rare.
Our results mostly match results of other authors who have been interested in the same problem.
Most frequent venous abnormalities in the thorax according to our study are double superior vena cava,
and azygos vein continuation followed by pulmonary varices.
Venous abnormalities are subtle and sometimes difficult for detection on chest X ray,
and can simulate a pathological substrate in the thorax.
Venous abnormalities are pseudo lesions,
therefore non invasive CT and sometimes MRI examination is essential for proper diagnosis of these conditions.
It is esential for radiologist to be aware of the existence of these relatively rare abnormalities that should not be overseen during imaging interpretation.
In cases there patient has to undergo interventional or surgical treatment radiologist plays critical role in alerting surgeons,
interventional radiologists,
anesthesiologists on the existence of abnormalities of thoracic veins.