Left Preureteral Vena Cava (Retrocaval or Circumcaval Ureter) Associated with Partial Situs Inversus

Abstract

We present a rare case of left preureteral vena cava associated with partial situs inversus. A 68-year-old woman was referred to our clinic for further study of left hydronephrosis on computerized tomography. The abdominal viscera were in mirror image and the heart was levocardia. The middle portion of the left ureter was dorsal to the left inferior vena cava. The left ureter was reanastomosed ventral to the inferior vena cava. To our knowledge, coexistence of preureteral vena cava and partial situs inversus has not been reported previously in the literature.

Retrocaval ureter: a rare cause of urinary tract obstruction

“…If it involves the left ureter then it is usually associated with either partial or completes situs inversus or duplication of inferior vena cava. 8 The proposed probable causes for abnormal development of inferior vena cava are maternal exposure to diethylene glycol and monomethyl ether which are used as industrial solvent. 9 Based on classical imaging findings, two types of retrocaval ureter have been described which are: type 1 or low loop, the more prevalent variety where in the level of obstruction to the ureter is usually a little farther from the lateral margin of aberrantly developed inferior vena cava at level of 3 rd lumbar vertebrae.…”

Renal calculi with retrocaval ureter: is percutaneous nephrolithotomy sufficient?

“…The anomaly predominantly involves the right ureter. If it involves the left ureter then it is usually associated with a duplicated IVC or situs inversus 12 13…”

Appearances of the circumcaval ureter on excretory urography and MR urography: A single-center case series

“…[6] Expectedly, circumcaval ureters are predominantly right sided. Left-sided circumcaval ureter has been reported in association with a left-sided IVC,[7] as well as in situs inversus,[8] and there is also a report of bilateral circumcaval ureters in association with IVC duplication. [9]…”