Retroaortic left renal vein

Case contributed by Ahmed Ismael Kandeel
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Patient was presented with recurrent left loin pain.

Patient Data

Age: 20 years
Gender: Female
ultrasound

Prominent left renal vasculature is seen in the first image that would suggest renal venous congestion.

Second image shows left renal vein passing between the aorta anteriorly and a lumber vertebral body posteriorly. This course is seen at the normal level of the left renal vein (Type 1 RLRV).

Case Discussion

Key learning points:

  • don't interpret the first image as hydronephrotic changes, the color and doppler study would be a great differentiating tool
  • the second image is a classic ultrasound finding of a retroaortic left renal vein which is variant anatomy

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