Patient Data
Age: 30 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Left superior intercostal vein - aortic nipple
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An "aortic nipple" is seen on the lateral aspect of the aortic arch/aortic knob. This represents a prominent left superior intercostal vein.
From the case:
Left superior intercostal vein - aortic nipple
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The arrow indicates the aortic nipple representing the left superior intercostal vein.
Case Discussion
An aortic nipple is seen in about 10% of PA chest x-rays on the lateral surface of the aortic arch/aortic knob. It represents the left superior intercostal vein.