A Rare Occurrence of Left‐Sided Inferior Vena Cava: A case report

Abstract

In this case study we analyzed the presentation of a left‐sided inferior vena cava (IVC) in the abdomen, inferior to the renal vein contributions. The occurrence rate for a left‐sided IVC in the population is reported to be between 0.2–0.5% ( Malaki, Willis, Jones, 2012). Normal development of the IVC is complex with multiple contributions. A left‐sided IVC is believed to be the consequence of the persistence of the left‐sided supracardinal vein and a midline anastomosis, and regression of the right‐sided supracardinal vein ( Mayo, Gray, St. Louis, Grosman, McLoughlin, Wise, 1983). Anatomical dissection of 24 human cadavers (average age = 80 years old) found one cadaver (4.1%) (Female; 75 year‐old) with a left‐sided inferior vena cava. This report contributes to studies gathering data on the population frequency of the left‐to‐right sided vena cava abnormality. Clinically, a left‐sided inferior vena cava is asymptomatic with thromboembolic complications as the chief concern. Knowledge of the potential for a left‐sided inferior vena cava is valuable in surgical and interventional radiology preparation, as well as to prevent a misdiagnosis of left para‐aortic lymphadenopathy ( Malaki, Willis, Jones, 2012).