Azygos Vein Pseudoaneurysm Secondary to Blunt Chest Trauma: A Case Report

Azygos vein aneurysms (AVAs) and azygos vein pseudoaneurysms (AVPs) are typically asymptomatic, discovered incidentally, and most often result from idiopathic and congenital factors or conditions that increase central venous pressure. Trauma-related azygos injuries are particularly rare, with a paucity of reported cases resulting from blunt mechanisms. There is no standardized therapeutic approach to traumatic AVA/AVPs, with observation, endovascular, thoracoscopic, and open surgical interventions all represented in the current literature. We present a case of a 44-year-old female who developed a pseudoaneurysm following a motor vehicle collision. The absence of aneurysmal findings in prior imaging obtained for medical purposes substantiated the traumatic pathogenesis of this pseudoaneurysm. Follow-up post-trauma imaging showed complete resolution of the pseudoaneurysm. Treatment approaches vary due to their rarity and diversity, but this case supports conservative management for small, uncomplicated AVA/AVPs.