Variations in internal iliac veins detected using multidetector computed tomography

Acta Radiol. 2007 Dec;48(10):1082-5. doi: 10.1080/02841850701589308.

Abstract

Background: Anatomical variations of the internal iliac veins (IIV), which have the potential to cause problems during related surgery, are not uncommon and are not fully appreciated.

Purpose: To determine the types and prevalence rates of anatomical variations of the IIV using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).

Material and methods: IIV variations in 63 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced MDCT were interpreted and classified by two radiologists retrospectively. The prevalence rates (with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) were calculated.

Results: IIV variations were classified into six types: normal (n=45, 69.8%; 95% CI 59–81%); left IIV connecting with the left external iliac veins centrally (n=5, 7.9%; 95% CI 1–15%); separated trunk of the left IIV draining into the central left common iliac veins(CIV; n=3, 4.8%; 95% CI 0–10%); right IIV draining into the central left CIV (n=7,11.1%; 95% CI 3–19%); right IIV draining into the central right CIV (n=1, 1.6%; 95% CI 0–5%); and the bilateral IIVs connecting with each other before draining into the central left CIV (n=3, 4.8%; 95% CI 0–10%).

Conclusion: MDCT demonstrates six types of IIV variations; the prevalence rate of IIV anomalies is not low.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Congenital Abnormalities / epidemiology
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iliac Vein / abnormalities*
  • Iliac Vein / diagnostic imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Contrast Media