esophageal vein

Introduction

One of several veins draining the submucous venous plexus of the esophagus.

Anastomoses

portocaval anastomoses

Empties into

• veins from the cervical (superior) part of the esophagus drain into tributaries of the superior vena cava
  • inferior thyroid vein
  • superior intercostal veins
  • azygos vein
  • hemiazygos veins
  • accessory hemiazygos veins
• veins from the cardiac (inferior) part of the esophagus drain into the left gastric vein, a tributary of the portal vein

Pathology

• the esophageal veins thus form a portocaval anastomoses
• subject to formation of varicosities with portal hypertension (see esophageal varices).

More general terms

• vein

Additional terms

• accessory hemiazygos vein
• azygos vein
• esophageal varices
• hemiazygos vein
• inferior thyroid vein
• left gastric vein
• left superior intercostal vein