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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Renal cell carcinoma with retro-aortic renal vein thrombus: a case series
Howard Marsh1, David Cranston, Mark Sullivan
1Department of Urology, Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, Kent, UK. howard.marsh@medway.nhs.uk
Objective:
To present three cases of tumour thrombus in the retro-aortic renal vein (RARV) arising from left renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), a very rare event (<1:1000-2000 per case) and to discuss the embryological, radiological and surgical aspects of this anomaly.
Patients And Methods:
Three cases of RCC with RARV thrombus presented in a 1-month period at one institution.
Results:
All three cases were identified before surgery by computed tomography (CT) urograms and had a successful nephrectomy.
Conclusion:
RCC in the presence of RARVs is rare but can be identified on CT urogram. At nephrectomy, a midline laparotomy or full 'rooftop incision' is recommended, and any attempt to mobilize the kidney before dealing with the renal pedicle should be avoided.
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