Aneurysm of the azygos arch

Azygos Vein Aneurysm as a Posterior Mediastinal Mass Discovered After Minor Chest Trauma

“…It is considered in the differential diagnosis of a mass in the area of the right tracheobronchial angle or of an enlargement of the right upper or posterior mediastinum. Dynamic computed tomography and MRI are very important in diagnosing this abnormality and confirming its anatomical relationships (1, 3, 5). …”

“…This type of aneurysm is usually fusiform (1, 2, 4). Some believe a congenital origin for azygos aneurysm as the third reason.…”

“…When the aneurysm is enlarged, the mass effect on the esophagus, bronchus and superior vena vena cava are successively prospected. Pulmonary embolism as a result of thrombus formation within the aneurysm can be the potential complication (1). …”

“…Depending on the size of the neck of the aneurysm, there is only slight enhancement of the mass in the early phase, but homogeneous enhancement in the late phase on dynamic computed tomographic images (1, 3, 5). MR images are variable based on the neck width of the aneurysm; from low signal intensity in both T1 and T2 weighted images in a narrow neck to mixed signal density in wide neck aneurysms.…”

“…Azygos vein aneurysm is a rare cause of a posterior or paratracheal mediastinal mass (1, 2). Most reported cases are secondary to trauma or conditions such as portal hypertension or heart failure (3, 4).…”