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Lateral basal vein of right lung

The lateral basal vein of the right lung is the segmental vein of the lateral basal segment (S9) of the right lower lobe. It typically drains the lateral basal parenchyma and converges with the anterior basal (V8) and posterior basal (V10) veins, forming part of the basal venous trunk. This basal trunk then empties into the right inferior pulmonary vein (RIPV) before reaching the left atrium.

Its anatomical location makes it an important venous channel in segmentectomy planning, pulmonary resections, and pulmonary venous mapping for atrial fibrillation ablation. Variants may include direct entry into the RIPV or, rarely, a common basal vein trunk with variable joining patterns.

Synonyms

  • Right lower lobe lateral basal vein

  • Segment 9 pulmonary vein (V9)

  • Tributary of basal venous trunk → right inferior pulmonary vein

Function

  • Drains oxygenated blood from the lateral basal segment (S9) of the right lower lobe

  • Joins with other basal veins (V7–V10) before entering the RIPV → left atrium

  • Provides segmental venous return important for lobar and sublobar resection planning

Tributaries

  • Intrapulmonary venules of the S9 parenchyma, coalescing into V9 before merging into the basal venous confluence

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • V9 appears as a signal void (black lumen) coursing along the lateral basal segment toward the hilum

  • Surrounded by hypointense vessel wall and higher signal perihilar fat

T2-weighted images (normal):

  • Venous lumen appears as a dark flow void

  • Thrombosed or obstructed segments may appear as intermediate or hyperintense filling

T2 TRUFISP (cardiac/respiratory-gated):

  • Demonstrates V9 as a bright enhancing lumen, dynamically draining into the basal trunk and RIPV

  • Provides cine-like visualization of flow and anatomical relations with bronchi and arteries

STIR:

  • Suppresses fat signal, making the vein stand out against hilar and mediastinal fat

  • Perivascular inflammation or edema shows hyperintense signal

T1 Post-contrast (gadolinium):

  • V9 enhances homogeneously with contrast, clearly showing its junction with the basal venous trunk and RIPV

  • Intraluminal defects indicate thrombus or stenosis

MRI Non-Contrast Cardiac-Gated 3D (whole-heart):

  • Depicts the 3D course of V9, merging into the basal venous trunk and draining into the RIPV

  • Valuable for segmental venous mapping in atrial fibrillation ablation and right lower lobectomy when contrast is contraindicated

CT Appearance

CT Coronary Angiography (CCTA) / CT Pulmonary Venography:

  • Best modality to map the course of V9 and its convergence with basal veins before entering the RIPV

  • Contrast opacifies the lumen, making it visible in relation to S9 bronchovascular structures

  • Multiplanar and 3D reconstructions delineate venous variants, separate ostia, or anomalous drainage

  • Detects thrombus, stenosis, or extrinsic compression; critical for segmentectomy planning and AF ablation guidance

CT image

Lateral basal vein of right lung anatomy CT axial image -img-00000-00000

MRI image

Lateral basal vein of right lung mri image