CT appearance of right gonadal vein.

The CT appearance of the right gonadal vein was studied. It is usually first seen 1 cm below the bifurcation of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and empties into the IVC laterally or anterolaterally 4 cm below the union of the right renal vein and IVC. Occasionally, it empties into an accessory right renal vein rather than the IVC. The right gonadal vein was visualized partially or completely in 80% of patients, and generally measured less than or equal to 4 mm in maximum diameter. It was enlarged in a patient with portal hypertension and in a post-partum woman. Knowledge of its typical CT appearance should prevent confusion with abdominopelvic lymph nodes.