Azigos lobe: A cadaveric case report

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Abstract

Introduction: the azygos vein gives its name to a complex vascular system, located in the mediastinum, composing a blood route parallel to the inferior vena cava. This is why it represents an alternative route to venous drainage of the inferior vena cava territory in certain pathologies. The vein ends on the superior vena cava, at the level of the fourth thoracic vertebra, after performing a staff from the posterior mediastinum to the anterior, in intimate relationship with the inner face of the right lung. Material and Method: A cadaveric case of a malformation in the pathway of the azygos vein is reported in an adult cadaver previously fixed in solution based on formaldehyde. The dissection was carried out in the Anatomy Department during a routine dissection in the chest region. Results: it was found that the azygos vein arch had an intraparenchymal path in the right lung, generating a separation of the parenchyma from the pulmonary vertex to the vein. The arch was found at its usual vertebral level and it opened as described in the literature. Discussion: The lobe of the azygos vein is a congenital malformation caused by an alteration in the embryonic development of the azygos vein which, on its descent into the thorax, drags a portion of visceral pleura and penetrates the right upper lobe generating an anomalous fissure and therefore delimiting an accessory lobe. According to most of the authors, it is a rather frequent malformation, representing 0.4% of chest radiographs. Conclusion: A cadaveric case with the existence of the azygous lobe is reported, contributing one more tool to the anatomical and imaging scientific discussion.