Hemi-azygos vein

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Description:

The hemiazygos vein arises as the subcostal vein joins the left ascending lumbar vein. From the upper abdominal region this vein then passes through the diaphragm to ascend in the posterior mediastinum along the anterior surface of the thoracic vertebral column to approximately the level of the eighth the thoracic vertebra. At this level it crosses the vertebral column, passing behind the aorta, esophagus, and thoracic lymphatic duct, to join the azygos vein on the opposite side.