Abstract

ANATOMICAL VARIATION IN AZYGOS VENOUS SYSTEM – A CASE REPORT

Chaitra S.*, Alka Jayavanth Kumar and Shelly Divyadarshan

ABSTRACT

Azygos veins are important cavocaval and portacaval junctions which form a collateral circulation in caval vein occlusion and in portal hypertension, cirrhosis of liver. The unpaired azygos venous system consists of azygos vein, hemiazygos vein and accessory azygos vein. This system of veins, along with its mediastinal, bronchial and oesophageal tributaries drain most of the body wall of trunk, namely posterior, abdominal and thoracic wall. Veins of the Azygos system, are highly variable in their origin, course, tributaries and termination. These variations in Azygos System are believed to occur during development. During our routine dissection dissection in the department of Shareera Rachana at JSS Ayurveda Medical College, Mysuru, Azygos venous system variation was found and reported. Identification and understanding of Variations are important during radiological investigations like CT and MRI and during surgeries to avoid injuries, which may lead to complications.

Keywords: Azygos, Hemiazygos, Variations.