Azygos continuation syndrome with aneurysm of the azygos vein: CT and MR appearances.
We present a case of azygos vein continuation with aneurysm of the azygos vein simulating a tumor in the right upper mediastinum. The dynamic CT examination initially showed a structure of malignant appearance during the early arterial phase. Further dynamic CT revealed marked enhancement of the mass during the late venous phase, suggesting a vascular structure. Confirmation of diagnosis was made by MRI using a fast gradient echo imaging technique in cine mode, showing turbulent flow in the azygos aneurysm, and contrast-enhanced MR angiography, demonstrating a dilated azygos vein. Dynamic CT has a potential pitfall in the diagnosis of vascular structures.
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany.
L W
LW
Poll
J A
JA
Koch
S
S
Finken
K
K
Lurz
K
K
Habersang
U
U
Mödder
D000783:Aneurysm / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001401:Azygos Vein / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D019028:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003287:Contrast Media