Congenital anomalies of the left renal vein: angiographic consideration

Three main anatomic variants of the left renal vein are present: pre-aortic, retro-aortic and circumaortic. Rarely, a supernumerary left renal vein may occur. The embryo-genesis of the left renal vein is reviewed. The significance of these anomalies, particularly the retro-aortic and circumaortic renal veins, in adrenal venography, renal vein renin sampling and shunting procedure for portal hypertension is discussed.