Evaluation of renal anomalies, inferior vena cava variations, and left renalvein variations by lumbar magnetic resonance imaging in 3000 patients

Authors: ALPER DİLLİ, FATMA SEVİN COŞAR AYAZ, KEZİBAN KARACAN, KÜRŞAD ZENGİN, ÜMİT YAŞAR AYAZ, OSMAN RAİF KARABACAK, BAKİ HEKİMOĞLU

Abstract: Background/aim: The variations and anomalies of the kidneys besides the variations of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and left renal vein (LRV) are mostly asymptomatic, but they carry potential risks particularly during retroperitoneal surgery and radiological interventions. Our aim was to find the frequencies, types, and sex distribution of renal anomalies and variations of the IVC and LRV utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and methods: Between November 2010 and April 2011, a retrospective study was conducted including lumbar spinal MRI of 3000 consecutive patients (1869 females and 1131 males) with a median age of 54 years (range: 9-78 years). Results: The percentages of renal anomalies and variations of the IVC and LRV were 0.9%, 0.07%, and 2.6%, respectively. Sex did not affect the distribution of renal anomalies (P = 0.2), IVC variations (P = 0.72), or LRV variations (P = 0.26).Conclusion: Lumbar spinal MRI is useful in detecting renal anomalies and variations of the IVC and LRV.

Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging, anatomy, cross-sectional, kidney, vena cava, inferior, renal veins

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