RUPTURE OF THE AZYGOS VEIN IN BLUNT CHEST TRAUMA

Isolated traumatic laceration of the azygos vein is a rare condition t hat is mainly associated with violent deceleration traumas. Diagnosis is crucially based on radiologic evidence of massive right pleural ble eding and hemorrhagic shock. Surgical exploration needs to be early an d concomitant with resuscitation, prognosis largely depending on timel y intervention. Median sternotomy provides the most advantageous acces s because it can be quickly performed and allows for surgical explorat ion.