GIANT AZYGOS VEIN VARIX

Primary anomalies of the azygos vein generally result from intrathorac ic tumor compression or inferior vena caval interruption with azygos v ein continuation. Vascular malformations, although uncommon, can frequ ently mimic solid tumors and present as middle or posterior mediastina l masses. We present the case of an isolated giant azygos vein varix i n an asymptomatic patient. Preoperative computed tomography and magnet ic resonance imaging were not diagnostic in evaluating this patient's anatomy. (C) 1997 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.