Duplicated vena cava with tumor thrombus from renal cancer: use of venogram for safer operative planning.

Renal and adrenal tumors can invade into the inferior vena cava (IVC) in 4%-10% of cases. Consequently, urologists must remain well versed in the anatomy of the IVC. The IVC develops embryologically from the coordinated growth and regression of a series of veins. Occasionally, these veins can persist, creating vena caval abnormalities. A completely duplicated caval system is 1 of these variations. We present a case of renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus extending into a duplicated IVC and show how understanding of venous drainage and pertinent imaging can aid with a successful outcome.