OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the CT features of the precaval draining vein from paraesophageal varices in six patients with liver cirrhosis. We also assessed the anatomic nature of the vein. CONCLUSION: The precaval vein courses anteriorly to the inferior vena cava and drains into the right anterior aspect of the inferior vena cava. The diameter of the precaval vein ranged from 3 to 13 mm (mean, 6.5 mm). The precaval vein is anatomically identical to the anastomosis between the right and left inferior phrenic veins.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the CT features of the precaval draining vein from paraesophageal varices in six patients with liver cirrhosis. We also assessed the anatomic nature of the vein. CONCLUSION: The precaval vein courses anteriorly to the inferior vena cava and drains into the right anterior aspect of the inferior vena cava. The diameter of the precaval vein ranged from 3 to 13 mm (mean, 6.5 mm). The precaval vein is anatomically identical to the anastomosis between the right and left inferior phrenic veins.