The Incidence of Inferior Vena Cava Anomalies by MDCT

Lee, Chung Heon; Jang, Lee Chan; Park, Jin Woo; Choi, Jae Woon

Abstract

PURPOSE: Since the early 20th century, IVC anomalies have been studied by autopsy, venography, CT, and MRI. Previous studies using conventional CT were usually performed with axial view images with a distance of 3~5 mm. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of IVC anomalies using MDCT (multi-detector computed tomography).
METHODS
1,560 cases of abdominal MDCT imaged in Chungbuk National University hospital from July 2006 to November 2006 were included in this study. We reviewed axial view images at a distance of 1~2 mm, and analyzed coronal view images and sagittal view images reconstructed by multiplanar reformatting with an E-film workstation.
RESULTS
The incidence of IVC anomalies was 2.38% (43/1,560). Two left IVC (0.12%), 12 double IVC (0.76%), 25 circumaortic left renal veins (1.6%), and 4 retroaortic left renal veins (0.25%) were detected. The common iliac vein was completely separated in six among 12 double IVC cases. In circumaortic left renal veins, the anterior left renal veins were usually prominent, and the posterior left renal veins were always located on the distal side. The mean distance between the anterior and posterior left renal vein was 39 mm. The incidence of a prominent left gonadal vein was 5%.
CONCLUSION
IVC anomalies are not uncommon, and can have clinical implications. Awareness of anomalies can allow clinicians to avoid diagnostic pitfalls and intraoperative morbidity.