Computed tomography manifestations of common inferior vena cava dysplasia and its clinical significance

This study aimed to review and analyse the computed tomography (CT) imaging results of frequently encountered developmental anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC). The underlying clinical significance was evaluated with reference to the relevant literature. CT images of patients who received abdominal or thoracic scanning between July 2009 and September 2011 were reviewed. Developmental anomalies observed in the IVC were identified and categorised. Images of the cases with typical anomalies were presented and their developmental mechanism, as well as clinical significance, was discussed. The most frequently encountered IVC developmental anomalies include the left vena cava, double vena cava, azygos continuation of the IVC, left circumaortic renal vein, left retroaortic renal vein and retrocaval ureter. The embryogenesis of the IVC is a complex process that results in various congenital anomalies. The developmental anomalies of the IVC are distinguished using a CT scan and have significant implications on clinical perspective.