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Published on: June 2, 2015
Classification of the renal vein variations: a study with multidetector computed tomography
Jingqi Zhu1, Lei Zhang, Zhangwei Yang
1Department of Radiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, China.
Renal vein variations are common, especially in the right renal vein. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) effectively visualizes these variations, aiding in preoperative recognition of renal vein anatomy.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Anatomy
- Vascular Imaging
Background:
- Renal vein variations can impact surgical procedures and diagnostic interpretations.
- Accurate anatomical knowledge is crucial for urological and radiological interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and types of renal vein variations using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).
- To characterize the anatomical features of left and right renal vein variations in an adult population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1,452 patients who underwent MDCT angiography.
- Evaluation of renal vein variations including number, length, origin, destination, branching pattern, and course.
- Statistical comparison of variation incidence between left and right renal veins and between genders.
Main Results:
- Renal vein variations were found in 24.7% of patients.
- Right renal vein variations (19.2%) were more frequent than left renal vein variations (7.1%).
- Left renal vein variations exhibited greater complexity with five classified types, while right renal vein variations had three types, including a high incidence of additional renal veins (18.7%).
Conclusions:
- Renal vein variations are not uncommon, with a higher prevalence in the right renal vein.
- Left renal vein anomalies are more complex than right renal vein anomalies.
- MDCT angiography is a valuable tool for depicting renal vein anatomy, and a new classification aids in preoperative identification of variations.
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