Variations in the Number and Drainage Levels of Retroaortic Left Renal Veins

Abstract

Abstract Aim: Circumaortic left renal vein (CLRV) and retroaortic left renal vein (RLRV) are the most common variations of the left renal vein and have a retroaortic course. We aimed to detect the anatomical variations of retroaortic left renal veins in terms of their number and entrance levels into the inferior vena cava (IVC). Materials and Methods: The computed tomographic (CT) images of 2804 patients who had undergone abdominal CT examinations in our hospital between May 1, 2017, and June 30, 2017, were evaluated. Results: CLRV variations were detected in 139 (4.96%) patients, while in another 132 (4.71%) RLRV variations were detected. Double branches were present in 15 (10.8%) patients in the RLRV group, and 3 patients (2.3%) in the CLRV group. The most common drainage levels into the IVC for these variations were the L3 vertebra level and the middle 1/3 infrarenal IVC segment. Conclusion: CLRV and RLRV may possess single or double retroaortic branches. The entrance levels into the IVC are various in these variations. Knowing these variations is important for surgical and interventional procedures.

Keywords

• renal veins
• vena cava
• computed tomography