Radiologic anatomy of duplication of the inferior vena cava: a trap in abdominal imaging. A report of 8 cases.

Eight cases of duplication of the inferior vena cava are reported. Three of these bear witness to the errors of interpretation that may be committed when the anomaly is not initially detected in the ultrasonographic transverse sections and when no preliminary phlebography is available. Two other cases illustrate the influence of this duplication on the choice of the prophylactic surgical treatment of pulmonary embolism. The last clinical observation indicates the need to puncture both the femoral veins when performing iliocaval phlebography. Finally, two observations on the cadaver help to clarify the imaging appearances of this anomaly. The report concludes with a review of the classical anatomic and pathogenic concepts and a short discussion of the practical problems posed by duplication of the inferior vena cava.