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Posterior basal vein of left lung

The posterior basal vein of the left lung (V10) is the segmental venous tributary of the posterior basal segment (S10) of the left lower lobe. It courses posteriorly and inferiorly within the lung parenchyma, paralleling the bronchovascular structures of segment S10, before joining other basal veins. V10 typically merges with the lateral basal vein (V9) and other lower lobe tributaries to form part of the inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV), which empties directly into the left atrium.

V10 is clinically significant in segmental resections of the left lower lobe and in pulmonary vein isolation procedures for atrial fibrillation. Anatomical variations may include common trunks with other basal veins or separate entry into the inferior pulmonary vein.

Synonyms

  • V10 vein of left lung

  • Posterior basal segment vein (S10 vein)

  • Tributary of left inferior pulmonary vein

Function

  • Returns oxygenated blood from the posterior basal segment (S10) of the left lower lobe

  • Contributes to venous return into the left inferior pulmonary vein → left atrium

  • Serves as a landmark in segmentectomy and electrophysiological procedures

Tributaries

  • Subsegmental venules from the posterior basal segment (S10) of the left lung

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • V10 appears as a signal void (black lumen) along its parenchymal course toward the LIPV

  • Surrounded by hypointense wall and hyperintense perihilar fat

T2-weighted images (normal):

  • Vein appears as a linear flow void contrasted against higher signal parenchyma

  • Intraluminal thrombus shows variable intermediate to high signal

T2 TRUFISP (cardiac/respiratory-gated):

  • Depicts V10 as a bright enhancing venous channel coursing posteriorly to join the inferior pulmonary vein

  • Cine-like imaging highlights drainage dynamics and patency

STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

  • Suppresses fat, improving visualization of venous course against lung tissue

  • Perivascular edema or inflammatory changes appear hyperintense

T1 Post-Contrast (Gadolinium-enhanced MRI):

  • V10 enhances brightly and homogeneously, continuous with the inferior pulmonary vein

  • Filling defects indicate thrombus or stenosis

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

  • Provides a 3D map of the venous anatomy showing V10 draining into the LIPV

  • Defines the venous confluence and relation to adjacent basal veins

  • Critical for ablation mapping, surgical resection planning, and detecting anatomical variations without contrast

CT Appearance

CT Coronary Angiography (CCTA) / CT Pulmonary Venography:

  • Clearly demonstrates the posterior basal vein draining into the left inferior pulmonary vein

  • Contrast opacifies V10 and basal tributaries, allowing assessment of course, size, and confluence

  • Multiplanar and 3D reconstructions are essential for electrophysiology procedures, lobectomy/segmentectomy, and pulmonary venous mapping

  • Detects thrombosis, anomalous drainage, or ostial stenosis

CT image

Posterior basal vein of left lung anatomy CT axial image -img-00000-00000

MRI image

Posterior basal vein of left lung mri axial image