Variations in internal iliac veins detected using multidetector computed tomography.

BACKGROUND

Anatomical variations of the internal iliac veins (IIV), which have the potential to cause problems during related surgery, are not uncommon and are not fully appreciated.

PURPOSE

To determine the types and prevalence rates of anatomical variations of the IIV using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

IIV variations in 63 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced MDCT were interpreted and classified by two radiologists retrospectively. The prevalence rates (with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) were calculated.

RESULTS

IIV variations were classified into six types: normal (n=45, 69.8%; 95% CI 59–81%); left IIV connecting with the left external iliac veins centrally (n=5, 7.9%; 95% CI 1–15%); separated trunk of the left IIV draining into the central left common iliac veins(CIV; n=3, 4.8%; 95% CI 0–10%); right IIV draining into the central left CIV (n=7,11.1%; 95% CI 3–19%); right IIV draining into the central right CIV (n=1, 1.6%; 95% CI 0–5%); and the bilateral IIVs connecting with each other before draining into the central left CIV (n=3, 4.8%; 95% CI 0–10%).

CONCLUSION

MDCT demonstrates six types of IIV variations; the prevalence rate of IIV anomalies is not low.