Accessory Hemiazygos Vein -

The accessory hemiazygos vein is an unpaired vessel that typically resides on the left side of the vertebral column, parallel to the descending thoracic aorta.

The azygos system is notoriously highly variable . Common variants include: accessory hemiazygos vein

: It is formed by the confluence of the 4th through 8th left posterior intercostal veins . The accessory hemiazygos vein is an unpaired vessel

The (also known as the superior hemiazygos vein ) is a major component of the Azygos venous system . Located in the upper left posterior mediastinum, it serves as the left-sided counterpart to the superior portion of the azygos vein, primarily draining the mid-to-upper thoracic wall. Anatomical Overview The (also known as the superior hemiazygos vein

: The vein descends along the left side of the 4th to 8th thoracic vertebrae. At approximately the level of the 7th or 8th thoracic vertebra (T7-T8) , it crosses the midline to the right, passing posterior to the aorta and esophagus, to drain into the azygos vein. Tributaries : Left 4th to 8th posterior intercostal veins. Left bronchial veins (variable). Some esophageal and mediastinal veins. Anatomical Variants

: In rare cases (1–2%), it may drain directly into the left brachiocephalic vein .

: It may join the hemiazygos vein to form a common trunk before entering the azygos vein.