Azygos or hemiazygos continuation of the inferior vena cava. An angiographic findings of 10 cases (author's transl)

The angiographic findings of 10 cases with azygos (AC) or hemiazygos (HC) continuation of the inferior vena cava (IVC), associated with other congenital heart disease (0.5%), are described. Abdominal situs solitus was present in 7 cases, left isomerism in 3. In 5 cases IVC was to the left to the spine, bilateral in one. In 6 cases there was AC, HC in 2; in one both types of continuation were documented. It is important that this venous anomaly be diagnosed before cardiac catheterization; manipulation of the probe may be very difficult when saphenous approach is used. The correct use of the terms "Azygos", "Hemiazygos" and "Accessory Hemiazygos" are discussed.