Duplicated inferior vena cava - a throwback to embryologic atavism

Abstract

Duplication of the inferior vena cava( IVC) is only rarely reported and often detected as an incidental finding(0.5-3%). In our patient, the anomolous vessel is the continuation of left iliac vein crossing anterior to the aorta, joining the right IVC at the level of inferior border of L1 vertebra.The association with a prothrombotic state,was exacerbated after splenectomy for this patient who had sickle cell anemia.