Azygos vein varix mimicking bronchial cysts. Issue 7 (18th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miura, Hiroyuki; Miura, Jun; Hirano, Hiroshi
• Is Part Of: Respirology case reports. Volume 6:Issue 7(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-07-18
• Subjects: Azygos vein -- azygos vein aneurysm -- azygos vein varix -- mediastinal cyst -- mediastinal tumour; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.2005
• DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.353
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-3380

Abstract

Abstract : Azygos vein varix is a very rare disease associated with a risk of rupture or thrombosis. Here, we report a case of azygos vein varix mimicking bronchogenic cysts. A 79‐year‐old female patient presented with abnormal shadows on a chest X‐ray during an annual check‐up. A plain chest computed tomography (CT) showed a well‐defined tumour, approximately 66 X 65 X 45 mm in size, behind the trachea. An enhanced CT scan was refused due to asthma complications. A high signal on T2W1 images from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated a cystic tumour. Diagnosed as a bronchogenic cyst, a cyst excision was scheduled. Upon observation with a thoracoscope, a dark purple‐red saccular tumour was observed continuing on to the azygos vein and was removed using linear staplers. The patient is alive and well 4 years after the operation. If a cystic tumour located in the right upper mediastinum is observed, the presence of azygos vein varix should be considered. Abstract : Azygos vein varix is a very rare disease associated with a risk of rupture or thrombosis. We report a case of azygos vein varix in a 79‐year old female presenting with abnormal shadows on a chest X‐ray. A plain computed tomography (CT) scan showed a well‐defined tumour behind the trachea, which was diagnosed as a bronchogenic cyst in the absence of a contrast‐enhanced CT scan. Thoracoscopy revealed a dark purple‐red saccular tumour continuing on to the azygos vein.