open access
The influence of atherosclerotic abdominal aorta on the shape of duplicated inferior vena cava: its potential clinical implications and vascular complications
open access
Abstract
Duplication of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a congenital condition where there are 2 large vessels: right IVC (RIVC) and left IVC (LIVC) on both sides of the abdominal aorta. Here, we present 2 cases of duplicated inferior cava coexisting with rare morphology of left gonadal (ovarian/testicular) vein. Both were observed during multidetector 64-row computer tomography. In first case atherosclerotic, tortuous abdominal aorta models both inferior venae cavae. The shape of veins were more- (RIVC) and less-arcuate (LIVC). Two years ago, the patient had been diagnosed with pulmonary thromboembolism. In second case abdominal aortic aneurysm models both large veins. The RIVC has a highly right-arcuate shape, while the LIVC has a less left-arcade shape. Our observation would seem to be especially important, because the tortuous abdominal aorta changes the shape of both IVC, and may predispose them for thrombosis formation. The presented report precisely describes the topography and measurements of the vessels in the retroperitoneal area. The literature concerning this anomaly, potential clinical implications and vascular complications are reviewed and the possible practical aspects are discussed. A familiarity with the anatomy of the most common types of venous anomalies is crucial for all surgeons, urologists and oncologists to reduce the risk of severe haemorrhage during all abdominal procedures.
Abstract
Duplication of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a congenital condition where there are 2 large vessels: right IVC (RIVC) and left IVC (LIVC) on both sides of the abdominal aorta. Here, we present 2 cases of duplicated inferior cava coexisting with rare morphology of left gonadal (ovarian/testicular) vein. Both were observed during multidetector 64-row computer tomography. In first case atherosclerotic, tortuous abdominal aorta models both inferior venae cavae. The shape of veins were more- (RIVC) and less-arcuate (LIVC). Two years ago, the patient had been diagnosed with pulmonary thromboembolism. In second case abdominal aortic aneurysm models both large veins. The RIVC has a highly right-arcuate shape, while the LIVC has a less left-arcade shape. Our observation would seem to be especially important, because the tortuous abdominal aorta changes the shape of both IVC, and may predispose them for thrombosis formation. The presented report precisely describes the topography and measurements of the vessels in the retroperitoneal area. The literature concerning this anomaly, potential clinical implications and vascular complications are reviewed and the possible practical aspects are discussed. A familiarity with the anatomy of the most common types of venous anomalies is crucial for all surgeons, urologists and oncologists to reduce the risk of severe haemorrhage during all abdominal procedures.
Keywords
inferior vena cava, duplication, computed tomography angiography, anatomical variations
About this articleTitle
The influence of atherosclerotic abdominal aorta on the shape of duplicated inferior vena cava: its potential clinical implications and vascular complications
Journal
Issue
Article type
Case report
Pages
521-526
Published online
2014-11-28
Page views
1033
Article views/downloads
1815
DOI
10.5603/FM.2014.0080
Bibliographic record
Folia Morphol 2014;73(4):521-526.
Keywords
inferior vena cava
duplication
computed tomography angiography
anatomical variations
Authors
M. Polguj
M. Majos
M. Topol
A. Majos
L. Stefańczyk
