From the Research
It is inaccurate to say that the pericardiophrenic vein drains into the internal thoracic vein (ITV). The pericardiophrenic vein actually drains directly into the left brachiocephalic vein (BCV) or into the BCV via the superior intercostal vein (SICV) 1. This venous drainage pathway is important because the pericardiophrenic vein accompanies the pericardiophrenic artery and the phrenic nerve along the lateral aspect of the pericardium, collecting blood from the pericardium and parts of the diaphragm.
Key Points
- The left pericardiophrenic vein is consistently found and has a mean diameter of 2 ± 1 mm 1.
- The right pericardiophrenic vein is rarely found and is extremely small, making it unsuitable for certain medical procedures 1.
- Valves are present in 54% of left pericardiophrenic veins, which could pose challenges for navigating the vessel 1.
- The internal thoracic vein (ITV) is a separate venous structure that also drains into the brachiocephalic vein but does not receive drainage from the pericardiophrenic vein.
Clinical Relevance
Understanding the correct venous drainage pathway of the pericardiophrenic vein is crucial for procedures involving the pericardium, diaphragm, or anterior chest wall, as well as for interpreting imaging studies of the thoracic region. The pericardiophrenic vein's drainage into the brachiocephalic vein, rather than the internal thoracic vein, has significant implications for clinical practice and patient care.