Left superior intercostal vein - aortic nipple

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male

An "aortic nipple" is seen on the lateral aspect of the aortic arch/aortic knob. This represents a prominent left superior intercostal vein.

Annotated image

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.

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