Congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava: importance of multiplanar imaging methods: an iconographic essay

The inferior vena cava is the result of a complex embryologic process which takes place between 6 and 8 weeks of intra-uterine life. Several variations can occur during this process, and a defective embryogenesis of this vessel may lead to the development of anatomic variants. Although many of these variants are asymptomatic, the radiologist should be aware of them and of the potential medico-legal issues involved, especially in cases in which abdominal surgery or hemodynamic procedures are contemplated. In this paper, the major congenital anomalies involving the inferior vena cava are reviewed under the form of a pictorial essay, highlighting the role of the multiplanar imaging methods (volumetric computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) in their diagnosis. Keywords: Congenital variations; Inferior vena cava; Renal veins; Computed tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging. author)