The variable appearance of the left superior intercostal vein.
The authors reviewed several hundred postero-anterior chest radiographs to document the location and appearance of the left superior intercostal vein, which was seen in 9.5% of patients. Variations in the location of this vein when seen end-on as the aortic "nipple", and in the appearance of the "retroaortic" portion (the result of contact with aerated lung), are discussed. The "retroaortic portion" may be seen through the aortic knob.
D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001401:Azygos Vein / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010690:Phlebography; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D013909:Thorax / Q000098:blood supply*; D014054:Tomography; D014680:Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging