An abnormal pattern of blood vessels in the retroperitoneal space with a duplicated inferior vena cava in an adult: a case report.

During dissection a duplicated inferior vena cava (IVC) was found in an 82 year-old male. The IVCs were connected with each other by two anastomoses. The course of the other retroperitoneal veins also exhibited some alterations: Just below the diaphragm the azygos and the right ascending lumbar v. ran into the right IVC separately; the hemiazygos and the left ascending lumbar vv. joined before entering the left IVC. The testicular vv. ended normally on the right side in the right IVC, on the left side in the left renal vein. The embryologic basis of the pattern of these vessels is discussed and a short overview of the literature given. In the present case there were also some alterations in the course of the renal and testicular aa.