Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava
Published on: January 13, 2023
Variations in internal iliac veins detected using multidetector computed tomography
S Morita1, N Saito, N Mitsuhashi
1Department of Radiology, Saiseikai Kurihashi Hospital, Kouemon, Kurihashi-Machi, Kitakatsushika-Gun, Saitama, Japan. i@imodey.com
Background:
Anatomical variations of the internal iliac veins (IIV), which have the potential to cause problems during related surgery, are not uncommon and are not fully appreciated.
Purpose:
To determine the types and prevalence rates of anatomical variations of the IIV using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).
Material And Methods:
IIV variations in 63 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced MDCT were interpreted and classified by two radiologists retrospectively. The prevalence rates (with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) were calculated.
Results:
IIV variations were classified into six types: normal (n=45, 69.8%; 95% CI 59–81%); left IIV connecting with the left external iliac veins centrally (n=5, 7.9%; 95% CI 1–15%); separated trunk of the left IIV draining into the central left common iliac veins(CIV; n=3, 4.8%; 95% CI 0–10%); right IIV draining into the central left CIV (n=7,11.1%; 95% CI 3–19%); right IIV draining into the central right CIV (n=1, 1.6%; 95% CI 0–5%); and the bilateral IIVs connecting with each other before draining into the central left CIV (n=3, 4.8%; 95% CI 0–10%).
Conclusion:
MDCT demonstrates six types of IIV variations; the prevalence rate of IIV anomalies is not low.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Veins of the Abdomen and Pelvis
The inferior vena cava is fed by numerous smaller veins. The lumbar veins, for instance, drain the posterior abdominal wall, emptying both directly into the inferior vena cava and into the...
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography
Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

