[Azygos or hemiazygos continuation of the inferior vena cava. An angiographic findings of 10 cases (author's transl)].

The angiographic findings of 10 cases with azygos (AC) or hemiazygos (HC) continuation of the inferior vena cava (IVC), associated with other congenital heart disease (0.5%), are described. Abdominal situs solitus was present in 7 cases, left isomerism in 3. In 5 cases IVC was to the left to the spine, bilateral in one. In 6 cases there was AC, HC in 2; in one both types of continuation were documented. It is important that this venous anomaly be diagnosed before cardiac catheterization; manipulation of the probe may be very difficult when saphenous approach is used. The correct use of the terms "Azygos", "Hemiazygos" and "Accessory Hemiazygos" are discussed.