Prognostic significance of pT3a staging subclassifications in renal cell carcinoma: Not all pT3a are equal

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prognostic significance of perinephric fat, renal sinus fat, and renal vein invasion in patients with pT3a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by histologic type.

METHODS

A population-based retrospective cohort study of patients with pT3aN0M0 RCC was performed using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data for the years 2010 through 2019. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the relationship between pT3a subclassification groups and cancer-specific survival (CSS) by histological subtype (clear cell, papillary, chromophobe, and other).

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 10,170 patients with pT3a RCC, including 8,446 (83.0%) with clear cell RCC and 1,724 (17.0%) with nonclear cell RCC (nccRCC). Median follow up was 36 months. Differences in CSS by pT3a subclassification groups were observed in all histological subtypes but were most pronounced in nccRCC, specifically papillary RCC. Compared to perinephric fat (PF) invasion only, renal vein (RV) invasion (HR = 4.9, 95%CI: 2.5-9.3, P < 0.01), renal sinus fat invasion (HR = 3.0, 95%CI: 1.4-6.2), RV and PF invasion (HR = 7.5, 95%CI: 3.5-16.0), and combination of all three characteristics (HR = 4.4, 95%CI: 1.2-15.5) were associated with worse CSS in patients with papillary RCC.

CONCLUSION

We examined the prognostic role of pT3a staging subclassifications in RCC by histologic subtype and observed survival differences, particularly in papillary RCC. Our findings highlight the need to refine pT3a staging criteria to help guide individualized, multimodal treatment strategies for locally advanced RCC.

[A rare malignant tumor of the renal vein]

The renal vein is an exceptional location for leiomyosarcoma, an aggressive malignant tumor of smooth-muscle origin with a poor prognosis. We report the case of a 55-year-old female patient who consulted for left flank pain that had been present for 6 months. A CT scan revealed a 9.4cm left retroperitoneal mass in contact with the psoas muscle, left kidney, stomach, spleen, left colon and extending up to the pancreas, raising the suspicion of a tumour originating in the retroperitoneal tissues. A biopsy revealed a smooth-muscle cell tumour with a degree of malignancy difficult to define. The patient underwent a monobloc left compartmentectomy, which led to the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma of the left renal vein. A review of the literature on these rare tumours in this location is presented.

Anatomical variants of the retroaortic left renal vein

BACKGROUND

Anatomical variants of the left renal vein (LRV), such as the retroaortic (RLRV) and circumaortic (CLRV) course, are of surgical importance. Different morphological and topographical possibilities of the RLRV could occur. It was aimed at documenting the anatomical variables of the RLRV.

METHOD

A retrospective study on 375 computed tomography angiograms was performed. Five different anatomical types of LRV were documented: preaortic types 1 and 2 and retroaortic types 3-5.

RESULTS

In 344/375 cases, preaortic LRVs were found. In 31/375 cases, different types of RLRV were found: type 3a - single RLRV, 41.94%; type 3b - single RLRV with bifid caval end, 9.68%; type 3c - single RLRV with trifid caval end, 3.23%; type 4a - CLRV with extrahilar origin, 29.03%; type 4b - CLRV with renal sinus origin, 12.9%; type 5 - triple LRV (one preaortic LRV and two RLRVs), 3.23%. Reference vertebral levels were recorded for the prevertebral segment of the RLVR. The vertebral level of type 3a varied from the L1/L2 disc to the upper third of the L4 vertebra. Type 3b was found in 3/31 RLRV cases; in one of these, the hemiazygos vein was inserted by two roots into the LRV and its upper caval end trunk. There was a significant statistical association between type 3b and the vertebral level, all cases being centered on the middle third of the L4 vertebra.

CONCLUSIONS

New morphological possibilities of the LRV were distinguished, and a new anatomical classification system of the RLRV results. The RLRV variant should be documented case-by-case as it has its anatomical variables.

How I treat nutcracker syndrome

Anatomic compression of the left renal vein in the angle between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery may be asymptomatic or may result in symptoms, including flank pain, hematuria, or pelvic pain and/or congestion. Patients can be referred to a vascular surgeon due to symptoms and/or radiologic findings. Because symptoms of nutcracker syndrome can be vague and/or nondiagnostic, careful evaluation, assessment, and counseling with patients are required before undertaking intervention, which is often an open surgical procedure. The definitive diagnosis is ideally confirmed with diagnostic venography, including pressure measurements from the left renal vein and inferior vena cava. The optimal treatment includes open decompression of the left renal vein with renal vein transposition or gonadal vein transposition, with or without concomitant management of pelvic varicosities if symptomatic. Because most patients with nutcracker syndrome are young, long-term follow-up with scheduled ultrasound examinations should be maintained.

Multiple renal veins clogging the hilum of the right kidney

Knowledge of variations of renal vessels is of utmost importance in retroperitoneal surgeries and kidney transplant surgeries. We report concurrent variations of the right renal vessels, observed in an adult male cadaver during dissection classes. The right kidney was supplied by three renal arteries, out of which two entered the kidney through the hilum and the other one entered through the lower pole of the kidney. There were five renal veins, emerging independently from the hilum and opening separately through five openings into the inferior vena cava. Among the veins, only one emerged anterior to the renal pelvis and the other four emerged behind it. Four of them terminated into the posterolateral aspect of the inferior vena cava, whereas one terminated into its anterior aspect. Fourth vein from above, received the right testicular vein. The renal hilum was clogged with the presence of seven vessels and renal pelvis.

Retroaortic left renal vein in open thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair: A modified approach

The incidence of retro aortic left renal vein (raLRV) in less than 6%. This anatomical variation will hinder the exposure and anastomosis of visceral arteries during open thoraco-abdominal aneurysm repair. This may warrant a division and ligation of the raLRV with the conventional retroperitoneal approach. This report describes a modified approach, wherein the vein is not divided without compromising the exposure for surgery.

[Trampolining-induced gross hematuria : Unmasking the nutcracker syndrome]

The case of a 12-year-old boy with sports-induced recurrent macrohematuria and left-sided flank pain is reported. After extensive laboratory and imaging diagnostics, the diagnosis of nutcracker syndrome is made based on the characteristic clinical manifestation. Under a conservative approach and abstention from the triggering sport, a clinical as well as image-morphologically confirmed maturation occurred.

A diagnostic and management conundrum in a rare case of a small renal mass UTUC with IVC and bilateral renal vein tumour thrombus

Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinomas (UTUC) are generally uncommon, accounting for approximately 5% of all urinary tract tumours. This report describes a unique Case of a 52-year-old-male with no known risk factors or symptoms of UTUC, who presented with bilateral sub-massive pulmonary embolus (PE). Subsequent computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a small (<2cm) right cortical based mass a discordant venous tumour thrombus (VTT) extending in the IVC, up to the level of the hepatic vein and bilateral renal veins. The patient had surgical excision in the form of right radical nephroureterectomy, IVC resection with bovine pericardial graft reconstruction and left renal autotransplant.

Renal angiomyolipoma with renal vein extension

Renal angiomyolipomas are uncommon benign tumors containing fatty tissue. Only a few cases of infiltrating angiomyolipomas have been reported. We aimed to describe a case of a 65-year-old woman presenting a peripheral angiomyolipoma of the left kidney with CT evidence of involvement of the renal vein. The lesion has been found incidentally during abdominal CT for an unrelated reason. The patient underwent surgical treatment considering the vascular extension of the lesion and the risk of thromboembolic complications. The pathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of renal AML in the upper pole of the left kidney invading the renal vein without malignancy.No post-operative complications and the evolution was favorable.

Aneurysm of the Communicating Vein Between the Left Renal Vein and Left Ascending Lumbar Vein Mimicking Retroperitoneal Lymphadenopathy: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Aneurysm of the communicating vein between the left renal vein and left ascending lumbar vein is extremely rare, with only anecdotal reported cases. Unless detected and recognized promptly, this rare condition may give rise to severe bleeding in patients undergoing retroperitoneal surgery. It may also closely mimic enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes, paragangliomas, adrenal masses, or renal artery aneurysms.

CASE REPORT

In this case study, we reported the imaging findings of this rare entity, which was falsely diagnosed as an enlarged retroperitoneal lymph node in an outside medical center, reported to be consistent with metastatic disease in a patient with newly diagnosed testicular cancer.

CONCLUSION

The aneurysm of the communicating vein should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with testicular cancer and other disease processes where lymph nodes are commonly affected.

Evaluating incidence and clinical importance of renal vein anomalies with routine abdominal multidetector computed tomography

PURPOSE

Renal vein anomalies are usually asymptomatic embryological developmental disorders. If unidentified, they can lead to significant morbidity during surgical explorations. This study aims to evaluate the type, frequency, clinical importance of renal vein anomalies in patients scanned with Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT). It was also investigated whether renal vein anomalies are associated with malignancies or their types.

METHODS

Abdominal MDCT images of 8517 patients were examined retrospectively. Renal vein anomaly types, gender, age, and symptoms were recorded. Renal vein anomalies were divided into three subgroups as retroaortic left renal vein (RLRV), circumaortic left renal vein (CLRV), and double right renal vein (DRRV). The presence of malignancy and their types in patients with renal vein anomalies were noted. Malignancies were divided into five subgroups as lung, gastrointestinal system (GIS), genitourinary system, breast, and others.

RESULTS

156 patients had renal vein anomaly (1.8%). The prevalence of RLRV, CLRV, and DRRV were 1.1%, 0.3%, and 0.2%, respectively. Renal vein anomalies were more frequent in females. Malignancy was present in 89 (57.1%) out of 156 renal vein anomaly patients. Among these 89 patients, RLRV was found in 52 (58.4%), CLRV in 22 (24.7%), and DRRV in 15 (16.8%) patients. The presence of malignancy was present in more than half of the renal vein anomaly patients but there was no significant correlation (p = 0.1). This high ratio is probably due to the high number of cancer patients undergoing CT scan in our radiology department.

CONCLUSIONS

Renal vein anomalies are rare conditions, however, coexistence of renal vein anomalies and malignancies is not. An awareness of this entity before retroperitoneal surgeries is very important in order to avoid complications such as hemorrhage, transfusion, death, or conversion to open surgery.

Renal vein injuries: a 10-year, single institution experience with a rare injury following blunt abdominal trauma

PURPOSE

To determine the incidence, injury type, injury associations, and management of patients with renal vein injuries following trauma.

METHODS

This is a 10-year single-center retrospective observational study of patients with renal vein injuries identified on admission abdominopelvic CT following trauma. Our institutional trauma registry and radiology information system (RIS) was used to identify patients with renal vein injuries. The medical records and imaging exams were reviewed to determine venous injury type, associated injuries, management, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifteen (15) patients with renal vein injuries (N = 9 right side) were identified out of 36,077 trauma evaluations, for an overall incidence of 0.042%. Eight (53.3%) were male with a mean age of 36.3 years (range 9-67 years) and a mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 32 (range 13-57). The most common imaging findings were pseudoaneurysm formation with or without intimal injury and intraluminal thrombus seen in 86.7% of the cohort. Twelve patients (80.0%) had other acute traumatic renal findings, most commonly an ipsilateral grade 4 or higher renal injury. Angiography was performed in 6 patients (40.0%), however no patients received renal vein specific endovascular evaluation, endovascular treatment, or surgical treatment of their renal vein injuries. Three patients were treated with long-term anticoagulation, of which one received an IVC filter. There were no known renal vein injury specific mortalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Renal vein injuries are an extremely rare entity but can be detected on admission CT. The most common injury patterns include an intimal injury with intraluminal thrombus and pseudoaneurysm in combination with an intimal injury and intraluminal thrombus. Conservative, nonoperative management was successfully employed in all cases with no renal vein specific mortalities.

Coexistence of a rare type of ectopic kidney with atypical renal vasculature

Knowledge of anatomical anomalies is significant for all specialists in clinical practice and may prevent serious complications following medical procedures. This report presents the rare crossed fused renal ectopia (CFRE) with atypical renal vasculature in cadaver of a 68-year-old man. The ectopic kidney was located on right side with four renal veins, three renal arteries, two ureters, where one of them is double. The embryological background, as well as the potential clinical significance of this morphological variation, is discussed. An interventional radiological and surgical procedure should be appropriately implemented to treat anomalies of vessels and CFRE.

Clinical progression of renal vein leiomyoma: A case report

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Vascular smooth muscle tumours are rare entities. Majority of these are malignant.

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Differentiation between a vascular – leiomyoma and a leiomyosarcoma is chiefly upon histopathological examination. Imaging alone is non-contributory.

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The rarity of the tumour makes predicting the prognosis a challenging prospect.

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Renal Leiomyomas do not show aggressive behaviour and excellent prognosis is predicted post nephrectomy.

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An eight-year long charting of progress of leiomyoma in our case has demonstrated the non-malignant potential of such tumours.

Introduction

Vascular leiomyoma originating in the renal vein is a rare entity. Our case allowed us charting of progression of renal vein leiomyoma for 8-years’ duration. Apart from intraluminous growth causing displacement of viscera, the leiomyoma did not show any aggressive behaviour. Eventually, removal of the tumour through nephrectomy provided complete symptomatic relief to our patient.

Case presentation

A 75-year old female presented with an eight-year long history of severe pain in right flank. CT imaging revealed a mass arising from the right renal vein and a few hepatic tumours. The differentials included leiomyosarcoma, in view of hepatic lesions. Excision of the tumour was performed with radical nephrectomy. Immunohistopathological examination confirmed it to be a case of leiomyoma. Three months post-op, the patient reported complete pain relief and no adverse events, and there were no signs of recurrence.

Discussion and conclusion

Vascular leiomyomas do not show any aggressive behaviour. However, their growth tends to displace the normal viscera, causing pressure effects that may give rise to intractable pain. Vascular obstruction affects GFR and renal function. In our patient, despite a long period of growth, the tumour did not show any malignant changes. Tumour excision through radical nephrectomy resulted in symptomatic improvement in our patient. Since imaging alone does not distinguish a leiomyoma from its malignant counterpart with certainty, surgical excision may be warranted in all the cases.

Long-term survival and prognostic factors for locally advanced renal cell carcinoma with renal vein tumor thrombus

BACKGROUND

Previous related studies have mainly focused on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with venous tumor thrombus, specifically inferior vena cava tumor thrombus with renal vein tumor thrombus (RVTT). However, only a few studies have focused on postoperative long-term survival of RCC patients exclusively with RVTT. Our aim was to investigate the independent prognostic factors for locally advanced RCC with RVTT in China.

METHODS

Patients with locally advanced RCC with RVTT were enrolled for the study from January 2000 to December 2015. All patients underwent radical nephrectomy. Survival analysis was estimated using Kaplan-Meier. Univariable and multivariable survival analyses were performed using COX. Patients were divided into high-risk, middle-risk, and low-risk groups based on independent prognostic factors and then analyzed for survival.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-eight consecutive patients (103 men & 25 women) were enrolled with a median age of 61 years. Thrombi were all graded 0 using the Mayo system, of which 23 were friable. None of the thrombi detached during surgery. 121 patients were successfully followed up, with a median follow-up period of 47 months. Median overall survival was 127 months (95%CI: 101-153). The 5-year and 10-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate was 67.9 and 57.0%. 59 patients had recurrence with median time of 40 months. Friable thrombus, paraneoplastic syndrome (PNS), modified Fuhrman grade 3/4 and perirenal fat invasion were independent prognostic factors (p < 0.05). The 5-year CSS for the Low-risk group (no factors) was 100%, Middle-risk group (1-2 factors) was 68.6%, while the High-risk group (3-4 factors) was 0%.

CONCLUSIONS

After radical surgery, RCC patients with RVTT had a relatively fair prognosis except for patients with friable thrombus, PNS, higher modified Fuhrman grade and perirenal fat invasion.

Anatomic Patterns Of Right Renal Vein

BACKGROUND

Preoperative surgical planning assumes a central role in avoiding catastrophic outcomes of a surgery in the field of renal transplantation, and other urological procedures. This study was aimed to study the different anatomic patterns of human renal venous system.

METHODS

It is a descriptive cross-sectional study including 50 adult male cadavers with well-preserved kidneys, renal vasculature and the inferior vena cava. Cadavers with deformed or congenitally anomalous kidney, evidence of surgery, solitary kidney, tumours of kidneys or injured renal vessels / inferior vena cava were excluded from the study. The kidneys, renal veins and the inferior vena cava were exposed. After securing inferior vena cava fifty ml mixture of Indian ink and gelatine was injected into renal veins via inferior vena cava and was allowed to solidify. Following this, the renal venous anatomy was studied.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight cadavers had their right renal vein formed by 2 tributaries (56%), 13 (26%) had 3 tributaries, 5 (10%) had 4 tributaries, 1 cadaver had a posterior tributary (2%), while 3 cadavers had other numbers of tributaries (6%). Out of total 50 cadavers 40 (80%) had normal distribution of right renal vein. Additional renal veins were found in 14 (7%) cadavers, double renal veins in 1 (2%) and proximally double renal veins in 2 cadavers (4%)..

CONCLUSIONS

There is considerable variation in renal venous anatomy. Knowledge of common venous patterns is necessary for minimizing intraoperative damage to renal anatomy and to prevent intra- and post-operative complications..

Surgical Treatment of a Patient With Nutcracker Syndrome via Transposition of the Left Renal Vein

Introduction

Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) is caused by compression of the left renal vein (LRV) between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) where it passes in the fork formed at the bifurcation of these arteries. NCS leads to LRV hypertension, resulting in left flank and abdominal pain, with or without haematuria and pelvic ureteral varices.

Report

The patient was a young female with diagnostic criteria of NCS, with severe clinical manifestations. The patient underwent transposition of the LRV approximately 3.0 cm below the original anatomic site and was anastomosed to the inferior vena cava (IVC) outside the meso-aortic compression zone.

Conclusion

Although NCS is not as common as other clinical scenarios, it may be encountered by physicians in a variety of disciplines, and can cause substantial morbidity and mortality rates. This report addresses the surgical approach used in a particular case, as well as the possible complications and outcomes if not treated in due time.

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A young female patient with diagnostic criteria of NCS, with severe clinical manifestations.

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The patient underwent transposition of the LRV approximately 3.5 cm below the original anatomic site.

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She was then anastomosed to the inferior vena cava (IVC) outside the meso-aortic compression zone.

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The symptoms were masked for an extended period of time, while the patient deteriorated at a rapid pace.

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At 36 months of follow-up the patient remained symptom free.

Renal Function Preservation in Surgical Resection of Primary Inferior Vena Cava Leiomyosarcoma Involving the Renal Veins

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study aimed to show the practice of preserving renal function during curative resection of inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma (IVCL) involving the renal veins at a single institution over a 7 year period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From February 2009 to February 2017, 10 patients (6 women; median age 49 years) with IVCL involving the renal veins were treated surgically at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. En bloc resections were performed in all patients, and the renal outflows were preserved in eight patients using a new method: venoplasty of the renal ostia (VRO). Data regarding patient details, pre-operative preparation, surgical procedures, post-operative recovery, and follow-up results were obtained and reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Computed tomography and intra-operative examinations revealed that renal vein confluences were involved but not invaded in all cases except Patient 4. All patients underwent curative en bloc tumour excision; a right nephrectomy was performed in only one patient (Patient 4) whose tumour invaded the right renal vein. The mean operation time was 358 min and the mean blood loss 1935 mL. At a median follow-up of 54.5 months, the 5 year local recurrence, distant metastasis, overall survival, and disease-free survival rates were 20%, 10%, 68.6%, and 38.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Venoplasty of the renal ostia is an effective method of preserving the renal veins and reconstructing renal outflow.

Renal vein tumor thrombus from metastatic anal gland adenocarcinoma

A 62-year-old female with a history of anal gland adenocarcinoma presents with metastatic disease to the kidney with renal vein tumor thrombus extending into the inferior vena cava (IVC). Metastatic disease to the kidney with renal vein tumor thrombus is extremely rare with only several cases described in the literature. We present the first reported case of metastatic anal gland adenocarcinoma to the kidney with renal vein tumor thrombus.

Nutcracker syndrome: A rare cause of left flank pain that can also manifest as unexplained pelvic pain

Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) is symptomatic unilateral renal venous hypertension due to compression of the left renal vein between the superior mesenteric artery and aorta (anterior NCS) or between the aorta and spine (posterior NCS). The left ovarian or spermatic vein empties into the left renal vein and is an additional site of venostasis in about half the cases of NCS. The presenting symptom of NCS in about half the cases is atypical left flank pain suggesting a disorder of the lower ribs or thoracolumbar spinal junction, particularly as the pain worsens with standing and increased lumbar lordosis. NCS may be suggested by any combination of the following manifestations: hematuria, which is often only microscopic; orthostatic proteinuria; varicocele and infertility; dyspareunia and other gynecological symptoms; varicose veins in the pelvis, buttocks, or upper thighs; orthostatic hypotension and fatigue; and abdominal pain. Narrowing of the left renal vein on imaging studies is required but far from sufficient to establish the diagnosis. Several converging clinical findings and a marked pressure gradient between the left renal vein and inferior vena cava must be present also. Urological procedures and vascular surgery are being superseded by endovascular stenting with or without simultaneous treatment of the acquired gonadal vein insufficiency by embolization.

Duplex Doppler sonography: is there clinical relevance to elevated renal vein velocity in kidney transplants?

PURPOSE

This study aims to determine a velocity threshold in the main renal vein (MRV) of renal transplants and evaluate the cause and clinical significance of elevated velocity.

METHODS

Maximum MRV velocity from 331 consecutive renal transplant Doppler ultrasounds in 170 patients was recorded. A priori, twice the median MRV velocity was selected as the threshold for elevation. Ultrasounds were divided into "early" and "late" periods based on time after transplantation. Charts were reviewed for outcomes associated with elevated MRV velocity. Endpoints included graft failure or death. Serum creatinine (Cr) levels among groups were compared, and temporal changes in MRV velocity were plotted.

RESULTS

A ≥70 cm/s was chosen as the threshold for elevated MRV velocity. Graft failure and complication/intervention rates were higher only in the "late" group with elevated MRV velocity. There was no association between elevated MRV velocity and death, no predilection for a particular biopsy result, and no difference in Cr levels among groups. The majority of elevated velocities occurred during the immediate postoperative period and resolved without intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated MRV velocity in the early postoperative period is a transient phenomenon not correlating with outcome or requiring intervention. In the late period, elevated MRV velocity is associated with entities including hydronephrosis, perinephric collections, and arteriovenous fistulae.

Left renal vein compression as cause for varicocele: prevalence and associated findings on contrast-enhanced CT

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of left renal vein compression in patients with varicoceles.

METHODS

Abdominal and pelvis contrast-enhanced CT images from 100 male patients with varicoceles (mean age 50.6 years) and 100 matched control patients (mean age 49.8 years) were retrospectively reviewed. The diameter of the left renal vein was measured as it crosses between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery and was classified as compressed if there was greater than 50% narrowing. The diameter of the left gonadal vein was measured at the origin. Comparison of the prevalence of left renal vein compression was made via a Chi-squared test and the gonadal vein diameter via a t test.

RESULTS

The distribution of varicoceles was 68 on the left, 24 bilateral, and 8 on the right. Compression of the left renal vein was significantly more common in the left varicocele (78%, 53/68) than in the bilateral varicocele (42%, 10/24, p = 0.002), right varicocele (13%, 1/8, p < 0.001), or control group (10%, 10/100, p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, the gonadal vein diameter was significantly greater in the left varicocele (mean 5.6 mm) than in the bilateral varicocele (mean 4.6 mm, p = 0.018), right varicocele (mean 3.2 mm, p < 0.001), and control group (mean 3.1 mm, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Left renal vein compression by the superior mesenteric artery is a major contributor to left-sided varicoceles.

[Calcified bullet thrombus of the inferior vena cava and left renal vein in an adult]

Calcifications are rarely located within the inferior vena cava and the renal veins. The etiology is poorly understood and the prognosis is uncertain. We report a case in a 55-year-old man.

Imaging features of left ovarian and renal venous aneurysms: two case reports and literature review

Venous aneurysms rarely occur in the visceral veins. We report two extremely rare cases of venous aneurysms, one of the ovarian vein and the other one of the renal vein. The aneurysms were depicted on grayscale and color Doppler ultrasonography as anechoic saccular structures with compressibility and blood flow. Pulsed Doppler ultrasonography showed venous flow. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed aneurysmal venous dilatation. We diagnosed left ovarian and renal venous aneurysms. We also review the clinical presentation and implications of visceral venous aneurysms.

A rare anomaly of left renal vein drainage into the left common iliac vein: A case report

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We report a rare anomaly of the left renal vein in a sigmoid colon cancer patient.

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We identified the variation before surgery by CT-angiography.

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By identifying the anomaly, the laparoscopic colon surgery was performed safely.

Introduction

Herein, we describe a case of sigmoid colon cancer with a rare anomaly of the left renal vein located between the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and the left common iliac artery.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old woman with sigmoid colon cancer underwent three-dimensional computed tomography angiography for a preoperative assessment; the results revealed a rare variant of the left renal vein. There were two left renal veins: one retroaortically drained into the inferior vena cava, and the other was located between the IMA and the left common iliac artery and drained into the left common iliac vein. Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy was performed safely while carefully avoiding any injury to the left renal vein located posterior to the IMA.

Discussion

Several variations of the left renal vein have been reported, such as retroaortic or circumaortic left renal veins. The variants of renal vessels, which are frequently overlooked in the preoperative assessment, is rarely affected in colorectal surgery. However, if the surgeon is unaware of such renal vessel anomalies, an injury can occur, resulting in severe bleeding.

Conclusion

It is important that surgeons identify retroperitoneal vessel variants before performing colorectal surgery.

Primary renal vein leiomyosarcoma: a case report

Primary renal vein leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a rare tumor with only a few cases reported in the literature. Clinical diagnosis of renal vein LMS can be difficult because of nonspecific symptoms and nonpathognomonic radiological features. The primary treatment modality is radical nephrectomy followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. There is scarcity of literature regarding prognosis because of rarity of tumor; however, tumor size (>3 cm) determines the risk of local recurrence and distant metastasis. Overall prognosis of renal vein LMS is poor. Here, we describe clinical and histopathological features of a 50-year-old female patient with LMS of right renal vein.

Secondary debulking surgery for isolated para-aortic nodal recurrence in ovarian cancer involving the division of the left renal vein

OBJECTIVE

To present a case that involved para-aortic lymphadenectomy in the aortocaval and retrocaval region involving the division of the left renal vein (LRV).

METHODS

A 36-year-old woman presented with ovarian cancer and isolated nodal recurrence located in the aortocaval and retrocaval region above and below the renal vein. Cytoreduction of para-aortic lymph nodes involving the division of the LRV was performed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Division of the LRV facilitates the separation of the lymph nodes from the renal artery or inferior vena cava under direct vision. No intra- or early postoperative complications, including renal dysfunction, occurred. Further analyses with long-term follow-up are warranted to evaluate this surgical method.

[Study of renal veins by multidetector-row computed tomography scans]

PURPOSE

To determine the prevalence of renal vein variants. To investigate the distribution of renal veins.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed spiral computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen performed during a two-month period. The same protocol was used for all CT scans: same multidetector-row CT scanner (Siemens(®)), 1 to 2-mm section thickness, injection of intravenous iomeprol. The study group included 121 patients, aged 21.7 to 93.4 years (mean age 60.9 ± 15.4 years). The sex ratio was 2/1, with 80 men and 41 women.

RESULTS

Seventy-three percent of the study group (88 patients) had no variants of the renal veins. Indeed almost 40% (48 patients) had one artery and one vein on each side, with typical course, and 33% (40 patients) had course and/or number variants of the renal arteries. Variants of the right renal vein consisted in multiple veins in 20.6% (25 cases). We detected no case of multiple left renal veins, but we described variations of its course in 9.1% (11 cases): 5 cases of retroaortic left renal vein (4.1%) and 6 cases of circumaortic left renal vein (5%). Three of these 11 patients had an associated double right renal vein. The probability to have a right renal vein variant was significantly higher than a left one (OR = 2.6, P = 0.01). And we found a significantly higher risk of having a venous variant in women (OR = 2.4, P = 0.04). We detected no case of inferior vena cava variant.

CONCLUSION

In our study, prevalence of a circum- or retroaortic left renal vein appeared higher than previously reported in the literature (9.1%). Knowledge of anatomical variants of renal vasculature is crucial and this study puts the emphasis on variations of course and number of renal vessels. Those variations are not so uncommon and should be known by radiologists and also by surgeons. Their knowledge has major clinical implications in practice and it contributes to the safety of renal and retroperitoneal surgery.

CT findings of intrarenal yolk sac tumor with tumor thrombus extending into the inferior vena cava: a case report

Yolk sac tumor (YST) is a rare germ cell neoplasm of childhood that usually arises from the testis or ovary. The rare cases of YST in various extragonadal locations have been reported, but the primary intrarenal YST is even more uncommon. Here, we report a case of a primary intrarenal YST with tumor thrombus of the inferior vena cava and left renal vein in a 2-year-old boy, with an emphasis on the CT features. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an intrarenal YST with intravascular involvement.

The roles of the liver and pancreas in renal nutcracker syndrome

INTRODUCTION

To assess the frequency and significance of presence of the liver and pancreas at the left renal vein (LRV) level in patients with suspected renal nutcracker syndrome (NCS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included 101 patients with hematuria who underwent urography three-dimensional CT between April 2009 and November 2013. These patients were divided into NCS (n=25) and non-NCS (n=76) patients according to the following CT criteria: (1) the presence of beak sign and (2) hilar-aortomesenteric left renal vein diameter ratio >4. Patients were grouped according to the presence of the liver and pancreas at the LRV: group LP (both liver and pancreas), group L (only liver), group P (only pancreas), and group O (neither liver nor pancreas). The difference in the frequencies of groups was analyzed between NCS and non-NCS patients. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the independent factors between NCS and non-NCS patients.

RESULTS

The frequencies of group LP, group L, group P, and group O in NCS vs. non-NCS were 88% vs. 5.3% (p<0.001), 4.0% vs. 2.6% (p=0.75), 4.0% vs. 11.8% (p=0.45), 4.0% vs. 80.3% (p<0.001), respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that group was a predictor for differential diagnosis between NCS and non-NCS (p=0.022), and group LP was an independent factor for the presence of NCS (odds ratio, 43.8; 95% confidence interval, 3.8-500.3; p<0.002; reference, group O).

CONCLUSION

The presence of the liver and pancreas at the level of the LRV was frequently found in NCS and was the independent factor for NCS.

Aneurysm of the right renal vein arising from an idiopathic arteriovenous fistula

A renal vein aneurysm is rarely secondary to an arteriovenous fistula. A symptomatic 4.7-cm aneurysm of the right renal vein arising from an idiopathic arteriovenous fistula in a 41-year-old woman is described. Imaging techniques have a critical role in planning the treatment. The 4.7-cm aneurysm showed a venous wall with uneven thickening of the intima, irregular atrophy and architectural disarray of the media, and partial loss of elastic fibers. Potential for rupture supports surgical intervention in a selected patient with a macroaneurysm.

MDCT findings of right circumaortic renal vein with ectopic kidney

Anomalies of renal vasculature combined with ectopic kidneys were found on a multi-detector CT scan. Knowledge of renal vascular variation is very important for surgical exploration, radiologic intervention and staging for urologic cancer. We present an extremely rare case of a right circumaortic renal vein combined with a right ectopic kidney. The right kidney was located at the level between the third and fifth lumbar vertebra. The right circumaortic renal vein crossed the aorta and returned to the inferior vena cava behind the aorta.

Anatomical study of variations in the blood supply of kidneys

BACKGROUND

Each kidney is supplied by a single renal artery and a single renal vein, which accounts for about 20% of the cardiac output. However, variations in the form of level of origin and arrangement of renal arteries are so frequent.

AIM

The present study aimed to note the vascular anatomy of kidneys with respect to the variations in their origin, course and any aberrant vessels which were present.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study material comprised of 15 formalin fixed human cadavers. During routine abdominal dissection for undergraduate students, the kidneys were exposed and the blood supply, along with its variations, were noted.

RESULTS

The following anatomical findings are observed in this study: (i) Accessory renal arteries (ii) Presegmental arteries (iii) Upper polar arteries (iv) Lower polar arteries (v) Inferior suprarenal artery from accessory renal artery and (vi) Accessory renal vein.

CONCLUSION

Awareness of the normal as well variational anatomy is mandatory for the surgeons, radiologists and urologists, for doing any uroradiological procedures or angiographic studies. Hence, this study will serve a useful guideline for the above mentioned procedures.

Multiple vascular anomalies involving testicular, suprarenal arteries and lumbar veins

Testicular arteries arise from the abdominal aorta and the inferior suprarenal artery from the renal artery. There are reports about variant origin and course of these arteries. Accessory testicular artery is also a common finding but its providing origin to inferior suprarenal artery is an important observation. During a routine dissection of abdomen of approximately 55-year-old male cadaver, unique vascular abnormality was observed. On the left side, a common arterial trunk originating from abdominal aorta immediately branched to give rise to superior testicular and inferior suprarenal arteries, the former after a short course hooked by the left suprarenal vein. In addition, the left suprarenal vein, second left lumbar vein, and left testicular vein joined to form a common trunk which drained into the left renal vein. A sound knowledge of vascular variations in relation to the kidney and suprarenal gland is important to surgeons dissecting the abdominal cavity.