Description:
The accessory hemiazygos vein sits on the left anterior side of thoracic vertebral bodies. This variable vein typically begins at the level of the fourth intercostal space and descends to the level of the eighth thoracic vertebra. At this level it can join the hemiazygos vein or curve to the right and join the azygos vein. It receives blood from the fourth through eighth left posterior intercostal veins, left bronchial vein, mediastinal veins, and esophageal veins.