title: Imaging diagnosis: azygous continuation of the caudal vena cava with and without portocaval shunting.
abstract: The CT angiographic features of azygous continuation of an interrupted caudal vena cava in dogs with and without portocaval shunting are described. Azygous continuation of a discontinuous caudal vena cava is usually an incidental finding, not associated with portosystemic shunting. Identification of an associated portosystemic shunt will determine the need for surgical intervention. CT angiography provides a means for making this distinction and details the course and size of the anomalous vessels. Focal widening of the caudal vena cava on a VD thoracic radiograph should raise suspicion for azygous vein distension.
authors.affiliation: Animal Medical Center, New York, New York 10021, USA. Anthony.fischetti@amcny.org
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Fischetti
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kovak
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery