Patient Data
Age: 30 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Left superior intercostal vein - aortic nipple
{"current_user":null,"step_through_annotations":true,"access":{"can_edit":false,"can_download":true,"can_toggle_annotations":true,"can_feature":false,"can_examine_pipeline_reports":false,"can_pin":false},"extraPropsURL":"/studies/36722/annotated_viewer_json?lang=us"}
An "aortic nipple" is seen on the lateral aspect of the aortic arch/aortic knob. This represents a prominent left superior intercostal vein.
From the case:
Left superior intercostal vein - aortic nipple
{"current_user":null,"step_through_annotations":true,"access":{"can_edit":false,"can_download":true,"can_toggle_annotations":true,"can_feature":false,"can_examine_pipeline_reports":false,"can_pin":false},"extraPropsURL":"/studies/36733/annotated_viewer_json?lang=us"}
The arrow indicates the aortic nipple representing the left superior intercostal vein.
Case Discussion
An aortic nipple is seen in about 10% of PA chest x-rays on the lateral surface of the aortic arch/aortic knob. It represents the left superior intercostal vein.