Unusual thoracic collaterals of gastro-oesophageal varices in a patient with end-stage liver disease

Abstract

Thoracic varices are rare anomalies in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Gastro-oesophageal varices usually drain into the azygos or hemiazygos vein. The case is reported here of an unusual collateral pathway of gastro-oesophageal varices with drainage to the vena anonyma system presenting as lung masses on chest X-ray, which completely resolved after successful liver transplantation.