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Updated: May 22, 2026

Demystifying Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS): Image Acquisition and Interpretation
Published on: May 16, 2025
Abnormal patterns of the renal veins
Seyed Hadi Anjamrooz1, Hassan Azari, Mehdi Abedinzadeh
1Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
This study details a unique human cadaver case with complex renal vein anomalies, including an oblique retro-aortic left renal vein and a low-positioned left kidney. Understanding these variations is crucial for retroperitoneal interventions.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Vascular Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Precise knowledge of renal vascular anatomy is vital for successful retroperitoneal procedures.
- Anatomical variations can complicate surgical and radiological interventions.
- Morphometric and histological studies are essential for documenting vascular anomalies.
Observation:
- A human cadaver specimen exhibited a complex and anomalous pattern of renal veins.
- The left renal vein displayed an oblique retro-aortic course and received two lumbar veins.
- Further anomalies included left renal vein bifurcation, the right renal vein receiving the right testicular vein, a low-lying left kidney, and an enlarged spleen.
Findings:
- Detailed morphometric and histological analysis revealed significant deviations from typical renal vascular anatomy.
- The left renal vein's retro-aortic path and bifurcation represent a rare anatomical variant.
- The confluence of multiple venous structures and organ positioning highlights the specimen's uniqueness.
Implications:
- This unique case provides critical insights for surgeons and interventional radiologists operating in the retroperitoneal region.
- Awareness of such complex renal vein variations can enhance the safety and efficacy of surgical and radiological procedures.
- Documentation of rare anatomical patterns contributes to the broader understanding of human vascular morphology and its clinical relevance.
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