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Reno-hemiazygos venous connection identified on contrast-enhanced abdominal CT: a developmental variant
1Department of Radiology, İdil Devlet Hastanesi, Şırnak, 73000 Turkey.
Insights
A rare reno-hemiazygos venous connection, a persistent embryonic vessel, was identified incidentally. This finding is crucial for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning in abdominal imaging.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Anatomy
- Embryology
- Radiology
Background:
- The reno-hemiazygos venous connection is a rare congenital anomaly.
- It results from the persistence of embryonic venous structures.
- This variant can be mistaken for pathology if unrecognized.
Abstract:
The reno-hemiazygos venous connection is a rare developmental variant that arises from the persistence of transient embryonic communications. A 75-year-old male underwent contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) for evaluation of abdominal pain. Imaging revealed a normal left renal vein (LRV) draining into the inferior vena cava (IVC) and an additional posterior connection from the LRV to the hemiazygos vein. No evidence of IVC obstruction or renal abnormality was present. Recognition of a reno-hemiazygos connection is important to prevent misinterpretation as a pathologic retroperitoneal vessel or lymphadenopathy, to appreciate its potential role as a collateral pathway in cases of IVC obstruction or Budd-Chiari syndrome, and to aid in preoperative planning to minimize the risk of vascular injury or bleeding during retroperitoneal or renal surgeries..
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