IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Thymic vein on CT

Case contributed by Craig Hacking
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

MVA

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Female
ct

The heart and great vessels are normal. No signs of aortic injury. There is contrast reflux from the opacified left brachiocephalic vein inferiorly into a thymic vein. No pericardial effusion or mediastinal hematoma. The lungs are clear apart from minor posterior atelectasis. No pleural effusion or pneumothorax. No sternal, rib or pectoral girdle fracture evident.

Case Discussion

Rarely do you see a thymic vein large enough to opacify on a CT.

Thymic veins are known tributaries of the left brachiocephalic vein.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.