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ABSTRACT
We highlight the case of a double Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) encountered in a routine dissection of a 46 year old male cadaver. We outline gross anatomical details , summarize the embryological development of IVC and present the case as a reminder of this rare anatomical variation, as in such cases ,pre-operative abdominal cross sectional imaging kis usually not available ;hence the operating surgeon needs to rely on vigilance and awareness of other potential anatomical variations that are associated with the condition.
INTRODUCTION
The IVC is formed by the union of right and left common iliac vein on the right anterior surface of fifth lumbar vertebra and conveys the venous blood to the right atrium from all parts of the body below the diaphragm1.
The two common iliac veins failed to unite at the level of the aortic bifurcaktion. The two venae cavae ascend on both sides of the aorta. The left inferior vena cava drains into the left renal vein. The left renal vein crosses anterior to the aorta to form the normal right prerenal inferior vena cava. The prevalence of this anomaly is 0.2%-3%2 This arrangement of the left renal vein crossing anterior to thke inferior vena cava to form normal right prerenal inferior vena cava is the commonest arrangement in the duplication of inferior vena cava 2
The embryogenesis of the inferior vena cava is a complicated process involving development , regression , anastomosis and replacement of three pairs of venous channels posterior cardinal , subcardinal, and supracardinal .this complexity of embryogenesis of the I.V.C. which accounts for the great diversity in its anomalies.
The majority of cases are clinically silent and are diagnosed incidentally by imaging (including computed tomography [CT] and magnetic resonance [MR] imaging) done for other reasons. However, these venous anomalies may have significant clinical implications,...