The incidence of a leftsided inferior vena cava

Introduction: Clinical and radiological observations prompted us to analyze our gross dissectional material on the occurrence of blood vessel varietie s. Case Report: In the case of a woman, who died at the age of 86, we found a large venous vessel in addition to the inferior cava - a vena cava inferior sinistra. This accessory vein extended cranially behind the abdominal aort a and joined the definitive inferior vena cava together with the left renal vein at the level of the first lumbar vertebra. Conclusions: Exact knowledge of the course of blood vessels and their varie ties is the basis of successful diagnosis and therapy.