Title:Aneurysm of the Communicating Vein Between the Left Renal Vein and Left Ascending Lumbar Vein Mimicking Retroperitoneal Lymphadenopathy: A Case Report
Volume: 17
Author(s): Sevtap Arslan*, Yasin Sarıkaya, Musturay Karcaaltincaba and Ali D. Karaosmanoglu
Affiliation:
- Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara,Turkey
Keywords:
Renal vein, left ascending lumbar vein, communicating vein, aneurysm, computed tomography, magnetic resonance
imaging.
Abstract:
Introduction: Aneurysm of the communicating vein between the left renal vein and left
ascending lumbar vein is extremely rare, with only anecdotal reported cases. Unless detected and
recognized promptly, this rare condition may give rise to severe bleeding in patients undergoing
retroperitoneal surgery. It may also closely mimic enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes, paragangliomas,
adrenal masses, or renal artery aneurysms.
Case Report: In this case study, we reported the imaging findings of this rare entity, which was
falsely diagnosed as an enlarged retroperitoneal lymph node in an outside medical center, reported
to be consistent with metastatic disease in a patient with newly diagnosed testicular cancer.
Conclusion: The aneurysm of the communicating vein should be considered in the differential diagnosis
in patients with testicular cancer and other disease processes where lymph nodes are commonly
affected.
