On axial CT of the thorax at the level of the carina, which structure lies immediately to the right of the trachea and forms the right paratracheal stripe on plain chest radiograph?
- A Azygos vein
- B Right brachiocephalic vein
- C Superior vena cava ✓
- D Right common carotid artery
Correct answer: C. Superior vena cava
Explanation
The superior vena cava lies immediately to the right of the trachea and forms the right paratracheal stripe on plain film. The azygos vein arches over the right main bronchus to join the SVC and produces the azygos knob at the right tracheobronchial angle. The right brachiocephalic vein is more superior and merges with the left to form the SVC. The right common carotid artery is a cervical structure.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
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