[Observations on the formation of the secondary venous system of the abdominal cavity with special reference to idiopathic left-sided varicocele].

Based on 1,778 radiologic investigations of vena cava inferior, left renal vein and left spermatic vein the anomalies due to incorrect transformations from the first to the second abdominal venous system are presented. A persistent vena cardinalis posterior could be demonstrated in two cases. Varicoceles were seen with and without insufficient valves of the spermatic vein and venous outflow obstruction of the renal vein, respectively. Based on the demonstrated phlebographies disorders of ontogenesis seem to be the cause of the idiopathic left-sided varicoceles.