Two-dimensional and Dopple rechocardiographic identification of infrahepatic interruption of inferior vena cava with azygos continuation.

Congenital anomalies of systemic venous return have been associated with pacemaker complications. Awareness of the existence of these anomalies prior to catheterization can lead to the utilization of an alternate route for pacing, avoiding undue delay in the institution of pacing which may be urgently needed. Pulse Doppler echocardiographic demonstration of turbulent flow in the azygos vein and superior vena cava combined with subcostal two-dimensional echocardiographic finding of a small channel opening into the right atrium appear to be highly specific findings in the diagnosis of infrahepatic interruption of inferior vena cava with azygos continuation.