Connections of superficial and internal adrenal veins.

Histologic specimens, microangiograms, as well as corrosion and dissection preparations of 220 human adrenals were evaluated in order to determine the venous pattern. All the glands were subjected to examination after injection of Micropaque into the central vein. Numerous connections of intra-and extraglandular veins were demonstrated. They varied in calibre from a few microns to 2 mm. The distribution of anastomoses was not uniform. They was much more numerous of the anterior aspect than on the posterior of renal surfaces of the gland. The anastomoses play an important part in adrenal function and adrenal circulation, creating the possibilty of bidirectional onflow of the venous blood from the gland. Such venous arrangement permits to ligate safely the central vein and to fill both venous systems (intra-and extraglandular) with opaque medium during adrenophlebography.