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Search for the azygos: a lesson learnt from a case with left superior vena cava, esophageal atresia and tracheo-esophageal fistula

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Abstract

The azygos vein is of superior importance during the operation for esophageal atresia with tracheo-esophageal fistula (EA; TEF). Its location helps the surgeon to locate the fistula. Newborns with persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) may have alterations in the location of the azygos, and since LSVC is not uncommon in EAs with fistulae, it is important to locate the azygos during a pre-operative echocardiogram. Foreknowledge of a possible absent azygos may avoid morbidity while trying to locate the fistula. We present a case of a newborn with EA, TEF, and LSVC in which the azygos vein was absent.

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There are no grants or other financial issues involved in preparing the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hadassah-Hebrew University Hospital, 91120, Jerusalem, Israel

    Dan Arbell & Eitan Gross

  2. Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel

    Julius Golender

  3. Department of General Surgery, Hadassah-Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel

    Abed Khalaileh

Authors
  1. Dan Arbell
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  2. Julius Golender
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  3. Abed Khalaileh
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  4. Eitan Gross
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Correspondence to Dan Arbell.

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Arbell, D., Golender, J., Khalaileh, A. et al. Search for the azygos: a lesson learnt from a case with left superior vena cava, esophageal atresia and tracheo-esophageal fistula. Pediatr Surg Int 25, 121–122 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-008-2291-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-008-2291-9

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