Dilated Azygos and Hemiazygos Veins Presenting as Paravertebral Intrathoracic Masses

Abstract

Though it is well known that dilated tortuous azygos and hemiazygos veins can be evident as masses on the right side of the vertebral column on plain films of the chest, two examples presented here show that they may mimic masses on the left side as well. Dilatation of the hemiazygos system consequent to vena-cava obstruction produces the apparent left-sided mass.