Exploring Anatomical Variations of the Left Renal Vein: Insights from Cadaveric and Radiological Analysis

Abstract

Background: Variations have been noticed in the course and termination of renal veins. The knowledge of these variations is essential in cases of renal vascular surgeries. The objective of the present study was to identify the abnormal course of the left renal vein as it passes from the hilum of the left kidney to terminate in the inferior vena cava.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the department of anatomy in a south Indian medical college. The course of left renal vein was studied in 60 human embalmed cadavers. The length of the left renal vein was measured, and if found to follow an anomalous course, the distance of the opening of its tributaries, from the hilum were noted. We also reviewed 100 abdominal CT scan reports to look for retro aortic left renal vein anomaly. The CT scan reports belonged to patients with urorological symptoms which included, abdominal and flank pain, dysuria and hematuria.

Results: Out of the 60 cadavers, in 58 (96.66%) cadavers, the left renal vein followed the normal course, where it traversed in front of the aorta and terminated in the inferior vena cava in an orthotopic position. The retro aortic left renal vein was observed in two (3.33 %) of the cadavers. In one cadaver, the anomaly was found to be type 2 retro aortic left renal vein. In another cadaver, there was a rare anomaly not reported till date, where the left renal vein coursed obliquely downwards and caudally behind the aorta and divided into two tributaries. The upper branch drained into the inferior vena cava while the lower branch terminated at the junction of the inferior vena cava and left common iliac vein. In the CT scan report study, we found that reports of two patients showed retro aortic left renal vein, and both belonged to the type 1 variety of left renal vein.

Conclusion: This study reinforces the importance of recognizing left renal vein variations in clinical and surgical contexts, by highlighting the prevalence and clinical significance of these anomalies, we contribute to the broader understanding necessary for improving surgical outcome and better patient care