Transposition of inferior vena cava

Last revised by Mohammadtaghi Niknejad on 2 Mar 2024

Transposition of inferior vena cava (also known as left-sided IVC) refers to a variant course of the inferior vena cava. It is the most common anomaly of IVC and occurs due to persistence of left supracardinal vein.

Diagnosis of left sided inferior vena cava is important for:

Gross anatomy

A left-sided inferior vena cava (IVC) usually ends at left renal vein and crosses anteriorly to join normal pre-hepatic segment of IVC. Sometimes it crosses more posterior to aorta. Distally the IVC is formed by the confluence of the common iliac veins.

Radiographic features

  • color Doppler ultrasound may play a role as screening
  • contrast-enhanced CT confirms the diagnosis and also the course of the inferior vena cava

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.