A case of tuberculosis of the rare azygos lobe of the right lung

Sandeep Singh Awal,Hitesh Goyal,Sampreet Kaur Awal,Som Subhro Biswas

doi:10.1186/s43168-021-00100-y

Sandeep Singh Awal, Hitesh Goyal + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43168-021-00100-y

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Abstract

BackgroundThe azygos lobe is a rare anatomical variant seen in the upper lobe of right lung. It occurs during embryological development due to the failure of posterior cardinal vein to migrate supero-medially. It is often an incidental finding on imaging and is asymptomatic in majority of cases. Tuberculosis involving the azygos lobe is extremely rare. Only a few cases of tuberculosis involving the azygos lobe have been reported in literature.Case presentationWe present a rare case report of tuberculosis infection involving the azygos lobe in a 57-year-old male with history of chronic cough, fever, hemoptysis, and weight loss.ConclusionsThe azygos lobe is usually asymptomatic, but it may be misdiagnosed as bulla, lung cyst, or abscess. In rare cases it may be associated with certain pathology such as tuberculosis, other infections, and lung cancer. Hence, it is pertinent for a radiologist to be aware of this variant when reporting chest imaging cases.

Highlights

ConclusionsThe azygos lobe is usually asymptomatic, but it may be misdiagnosed as bulla, lung cyst, or abscess
The azygos lobe is a rare anatomical variant seen in the upper lobe of right lung
The azygos lobe is usually asymptomatic, but it may be misdiagnosed as bulla, lung cyst, or abscess

Summary

Conclusions

The azygos lobe is usually an incidental finding in chest radiograph or CT thorax scans. It is usually asymptomatic, but it may be misdiagnosed as bulla, lung cyst or abscess. A few cases of tuberculosis involving the azygos lobe have been reported in literature. We present such a rare case of tuberculosis involving the azygos lobe

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