Duplication of inferior vena cava with right renal hypoplasia

Abstract

Congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) may have clinical implications. The present case study describes a male cadaver with a duplicated IVC and a hypoplastic right kidney. The IVC is derived embryologically from the development and remodeling of the posterior cardinal, subcardinal and supracardinal veins. The definitive kidneys develop from the metanephros. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a positive regulator of angiogenesis and a known inhibitor of tubulogenesis of metanephric tissue in vitro, may provide the link for the concomitant occurrence of the congenital anomalies seen in this case study.