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Duplicate inferior vena cava

03/06/2007

Question:

my son recently had a ct of the abdomen and pelvis to rule out stone disease in his kidney. on the report was the notation of a duplicate inferior vena cava. what exactly does that indicate? what complications can arise from that, if any? he was born with only one kidney and had been having low back and flank pain but ct showed no stones. could this duplicate ivc be somehow to blame?

Answer:

Duplicate inferior vena cava systems can occur. Unless there was clot present in it, the blood vessel itself should not cause pain or a particular problem to your son. You mentioned that your son was born with one kidney – the duplicate vena cava was also an additional developmental abnormality. Again, nothing of particular worry – just something to note for the future.

For more information:

Go to the Vascular Surgery health topic.