Oblique Retro-Aortic Left Renal Vein and its Clinical Importance

Abstract

Kidneys are the organs that remove the waste products of the metabolic activities. A smooth blood flow to the kidneys is essential to maintain their function. Abnormalities of the renal vasculature may result not only in impairing the renal function but can lead to conditions like varicocele. During an autopsy of an adult male, we observed renal vascular variations. The left renal vein had a retro-aortic course before its termination into the inferior vena cava. It was joined with the inferior vena cava at the level of inferior mesenteric artery with an acute angle. The left testicular vein joined the left renal vein with an acute angle. The right kidney was supplied by two renal arteries. The knowledge about retro-aortic course of the left renal vein may be important during renal transplantation. The oblique course of left renal vein and the termination of left testicular vein into it with an acute angle may increase the chances of left sided varicocele.

A unique multiple abnormal vascular pattern in retroperitoneal region: a case report

“…According to the classi cation, two types presented in our case: the retro-aortic type and the additional renal vein type. The course of the retro-aortic renal vein in our case was oblique, this phenomenon was in accordance with the description of the classi cation, however, it was different to the horizontal course of the study by Bhagavath P et al [5]. Embryologically, the left renal vein derives from postcardinal, subcardinal and supracardinal veins.…”