Re: Duplicated IVC with Normal-Appearing Right IVC and Azygos Continuation of the Left IVC

Abstract

Various anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) have been described [1][2][3][4]. With duplication of the IVC, a normal right IVC arises from the right common iliac vein and a left IVC arises from the left common iliac vein. The left IVC typically joins the right IVC via the left renal vein where it may pass ventral or sometimes dorsal to the aorta. The IVC then continues normally through the liver to the right atrium [1][2][3][4]. We present a patient with duplication of the IVC in whom the right IVC continued uninterrupted through the liver to the right atrium, and the left IVC drained the left renal vein, crossed dorsal to the aorta, and continued cephalad into the azygos vein. To our knowledge, this anomaly has not previously been described in the radiological literature.A 48-year-old woman with idiopathic thrombocytopenia had a computed tomography (CT) examination of the abdomen to evaluate for lymphadenopathy. No enlarged lymph nodes were present. However the exam incidentally showed a duplicated IVC (Fig. 1). The right IVC had a normal appearance and course. The left IVC