Pericardiophrenic veins

Pericardiophrenic veins are thin venous structures located in the thoracic cavity. These veins drain blood from the pericardium, mediastinal pleura, and the superior surface of the diaphragm. They accompany the pericardiophrenic artery and the phrenic nerve, typically draining into either the brachiocephalic vein or the internal thoracic vein.[1]

Anatomical structure

The pericardiophrenic veins originate at the anterosuperior aspect of the diaphragm. They ascend between the pericardium and pleura, running anterior to the roots of the lungs. These veins are typically bilateral and follow the course of their corresponding arteries. Primary drainage sites include the fibrous pericardium, diaphragmatic peritoneum, and mediastinal pleura.[1]

Clinical significance

In cases of superior vena cava obstruction, pericardiophrenic veins may serve as collateral pathways. They can become radiologically prominent in thoracic imaging. During central venous catheter placement, anatomical variations of these veins may lead to catheter malposition, which can sometimes cause complications such as pericardial tamponade.

Role in imaging and surgery

Pericardiophrenic veins serve as anatomical landmarks in high-resolution thoracic imaging, important for the localization of the phrenic nerve. Their identification is also significant in cardiac surgery or mediastinal procedures to help map vascular structures and avoid iatrogenic injury.[1]

  • Pericardiophrenic artery
  • Phrenic nerve
  • Internal thoracic vein
  • Superior vena cava

References

  1. ^ a b c Standring, Susan (2020). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42nd ed.). Elsevier. pp. 994–995. ISBN 9780702077050.
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