Pericardiophrenic vein

Pericardiophrenic veins, also known as pericardiacophrenic veins, are the veins that accompany the pericardiophrenic artery and phrenic nerve along either side of the middle mediastinum. They drain tributaries from the superior diaphragm and pericardium, usually terminating in the floor of the respective brachiocephalic vein, but also possibly joining a smaller branch such as the internal thoracic vein.

Related pathology

• collateral drainage pathway in setting of superior vena cava obstruction 
• drainage pathway for gastric varices in setting of portal hypertension 
• malposition of central venous catheter, among the causes of left paramediastinal catheter position and associated with risk of rupture into the pericardium causing cardiac tamponade 
• ruptured varix causing hemothorax