Anatomical Observations on the Course of the Azygos Vein (Vena Azygos Major)

In man, the azygos vein is described as ascending on the right side of the vertebral column until it curves anteriorly over the right bronchus to end in the superior vena cava. However, it has been observed that frequently the azygos vein is found to run part of its course on the left side of the midline. No description of this course has been found in current anatomical textbooks or other literature dealing with the subject (Morison, 1879; Butler and