Congenital anomalies of left renal vein and its clinical importance: a case report and review of literature.

Detailed knowledge of the anatomy and anomalies of renal veins is necessary for retroperitoneal surgery and venographic procedures. According to Thomas (1970, Arch. Surg. 100: 738-740), the anomalies of renal veins are more frequent than estimated. The number of surgical procedures and radiologic examinations related to the retroperitoneum are increasing, and therefore pathologic conditions of the retroperitoneal area have been discussed more frequently. We report on a retroaortic left renal vein joining the left common iliac vein, discuss the embryology and clinical importance of renal vein anomalies, and give an overview on the relevant literature.