Duplication of the inferior vena cava: anatomy, embryology and classification proposal

Anat Sci Int. 2010 Mar;85(1):56-60. doi: 10.1007/s12565-009-0036-z. Epub 2009 Mar 28.

Abstract

A case of a duplicated inferior vena cava (IVC) along with other anatomical vessel variations in a 72-year-old male cadaver is presented. The anomalous vessels involved, besides the IVC, were the left testicular vein and artery, the left suprarenal artery and a superior accessory left renal artery. Based on the gross appearance of the preaortic anastomotic trunk between the left and right IVC as well as on the underlying embryological features, a classification is proposed: incomplete bilateral duplication of the IVC and complete bilateral duplication of the IVC. The latter can be further divided into three types: major, minor and asymmetric.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Individuality
  • Male
  • Renal Veins / abnormalities*
  • Testis / abnormalities
  • Testis / blood supply*
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / abnormalities*