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Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy

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01-08-2009 | Anatomic Variations

Azygos lobe without azygos vein as a sign of previous iatrogenic pneumothorax: two case reports

Authors: Thomas Betschart, Gerhard W. Goerres

Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy | Issue 7/2009

Abstract

Background

A spontaneous pneumothorax appears to be rarely seen in patients with an azygos lobe, although this normal variant is incidentally found on CT and chest X-ray. The displacement of the azygos vein from the azygos lobe to the paramediastinal position indicates previous pneumothorax.

Methods

We report two patients (a 59 and a 27-year-old female) where the finding of an azygos lobe without an azygos vein proved to be a sign of previous iatrogenic pneumothorax.

Conclusions

Documentation of an azygos lobe without azygos vein is highly suggestive of a previous pneumothorax. This observation may indicate an iatrogenic cause, because of the possible protective effect of an azygos lobe to the occurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax.

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Title: Azygos lobe without azygos vein as a sign of previous iatrogenic pneumothorax: two case reports
Authors: Thomas Betschart
Gerhard W. Goerres
Publication date: 01-08-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy / Issue 7/2009
Print ISSN: 0930-1038
Electronic ISSN: 1279-8517
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-009-0479-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Azygos lobe without azygos vein as a sign of previous iatrogenic pneumothorax: two case reports

Abstract

Background

Methods

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Conclusions

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