Anatomy, embryology, and imaging of situs ambiguous with polysplenia and left IVC

Abstract

The situs ambiguous or heterotaxy syndrome is a type of syndrome that involves multiple visceral abnormalities, vascular ones and associated with left isomerism. Malformation of gastroenterologic system includes polysplenia (segmented spleen or multiple splenules), agenesis (partial or complete) of the dorsal pancreas and anomalous of the inferior vena cava implantation. Here, we describe and show the anatomy of a patient with left side inferior vena cava, situs ambiguous (complete common mesentery), polysplenia, and short pancreas. We also discuss about the embryologic process and the implications of these anomalies during gynecologic, digestive, and liver surgeries.

Keywords

• Situs ambiguous
• Polysplenia
• Left side IVC
• Anatomic variations