Related Experiment Videos
An anatomical study of the retroaortic left renal vein
K Yoshinaga1, K Kawai, K Kodama
1Department of Anatomy, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Japan. kyoshina@post.miyazaki-med.ac.jp
Insights
A rare retroaortic left renal vein anomaly was discovered during anatomical dissection. This anatomical variation coursed behind the aorta, connecting to the inferior vena cava and azygos vein system.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Vascular Anatomy
- Human Anatomy
Background:
- Renal vein anomalies are uncommon vascular variations.
- A retroaortic left renal vein courses posterior to the abdominal aorta.
- Understanding these variations is crucial for surgical and diagnostic procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and describe a specific case of retroaortic left renal vein.
- To highlight the detailed anatomical course and connections of this vascular anomaly.
Main Methods:
- Anatomical dissection of a 55-year-old male cadaver.
- Observation and documentation of vascular structures, specifically the left renal vein.
Main Results:
- A retroaortic left renal vein was identified.
- The anomaly coursed dorsal to the abdominal aorta.
- It drained into the inferior vena cava at the L3 vertebral level.
- Direct connections were noted with the azygos vein system and the 3rd lumbar vein.
- Received drainage from posterior suprarenal and posterior inferior phrenic veins.
Conclusions:
- This case presents a complex retroaortic left renal vein with multiple unusual connections.
- Such detailed anatomical findings contribute to the understanding of vascular variations.
- Awareness of these anomalies is important for clinicians to prevent potential complications.
Abstract:
Retroaortic left renal vein was found in a 55-year-old male cadaver during a student course anatomical dissection. This anomaly coursed dorsal to the abdominal aorta and opened into the inferior vena cava at the upper level of the 3rd lumbar vertebra. This retroaortic left renal vein connected directly to the azygos vein system and the 3rd lumbar vein. It also received the posterior suprarenal and posterior inferior phrenic veins.