Idiopathic renal vein varices: incidence and significance.

To determine the incidence of renal vein varices, an analysis of 132 consecutive renal venograms was performed. Varices were found in 8 patients (6%), always on the left side. Four were solitary, and four represented a dilated venous network adjacent to the renal pelvis and upper ureter. Only a single patient had hematuria attributed to renal vein varices. It is concluded that varices in association with hematuria cannot be assumed to be causative; they may equally well be incidental findings.