Inferior vena cava duplication with reference to venous asymmetries.

Congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava are relatively frequent, usually with scarce clinical impact. There are few cases reported of inferior vena cava duplication. The supernumerary left-placed vena cava originates in the pelvis from a common iliac vein and receives ipsilateral lumbar and renal veins. Here we examine a new case of inferior vena cava duplication, diagnosed by CT scan. This case is then discussed in view of the physiological asymmetries of the venous system. Embryological implications are discussed and compared to recent findings of genes that control the asymmetry of visceral organs.