Left inferior vena cava

Associate Editor:


 * A left IVC results from regression of the right supracardinal vein with persistence of the left supracardinal vein.
 * The prevalence is 0.2%–0.5%.
 * The major clinical significance of this anomaly is the potential for misdiagnosis as left-sided paraaortic lymphadenopathy.
 * Spontaneous rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm into a left IVC has been reported.
 * Transjugular access to the infrarenal IVC for placement of an IVC filter may be difficult.

Diagnostic Findings

 * Typically, the left IVC joins the left renal vein, which crosses anterior to the aorta in the normal fashion, uniting with the right renal vein to form a normal right-sided prerenal IVC.

References for

 * J. Edward Bass, Michael D. Redwine, Larry A. Kramer, Phan T. Huynh, and John H. Harris, Jr. Spectrum of Congenital Anomalies of the Inferior Vena Cava: Cross-sectional Imaging Findings. RadioGraphics 2000 20: 639-652.