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Retroaortic left renal vein: a report of six cases
A Martinez-Almagro1, V Almenar Garcia, V Martinez Sanjuan
1Morphological Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Spain.
Insights
Retroaortic left renal vein is a rare anatomical variation. This study identified six cases, highlighting its retroaortic course and oblique path to the inferior vena cava.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Vascular Anatomy
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The retroaortic left renal vein is an uncommon anatomical variation.
- Understanding renal vein variations is crucial for surgical and diagnostic procedures.
Observation:
- Six cases of retroaortic left renal vein were analyzed.
- Two cases were studied via cadaveric dissection, and four using Computed Tomography (CT).
- A total of 116 dissected specimens and 170 CT scans of non-pathological retroperitoneum were reviewed.
Findings:
- All six identified cases presented a single, sizable left renal vein trunk.
- The vein was consistently found in a retroaortic position.
- The vessel exhibited an oblique trajectory towards the inferior vena cava.
Implications:
- This anatomical finding is important for surgeons performing abdominal procedures.
- Accurate identification via imaging like CT is vital to avoid complications.
- Knowledge of this variation aids in interpreting diagnostic scans and planning interventions.
Abstract:
Six cases of retroaortic left renal vein have been studied, two in corpses and four by means of Computed Tomography. Any previous pathology has been rejected. The total number of dissected specimens was 116, whereas the patients with non-pathological retroperitoneum studied by CT numbered 170. In our six cases, the left renal vein formed a single trunk of considerable size, retroaortic position and directed obliquely towards the inferior vena cava.