Abnormal Location of Innominate Artery and Azygos Vein Simulating Right Apical Lung Tumor

Abstract

Bronchogenic carcinoma was suspected in a middle-aged black man who was a heavy smoker, a heavy drinker, and met all criteria for the high-risk group. A mass density was apparent in the superior sulcus, right upper lobe. On thoracotomy a tortuous innominate artery and dilated superior vena cava was found simulating a right apical mass. Eng lish literature and sporadic case studies are reviewed. Different noninvasive and invasive diagnostic procedures are described to aid in the diagnosis of possible nonmalignant tumefaction of the thorax mimicking bronchogenic carcinoma, and to help read ers avoid unnecessary thoracotomies.