left renal vein is retroaortic???

[mpalka6]

Ct scan came back today and looks like everything is good besides these " the left renal vein is retroaortic" . Anyone know what does it mean? I try to Google about it but no luck. Seeing oncologist 3rd of august so worried about that. Thanks

[CancerSux]

A retroaortic left renal vein translates into being 'behind the aorta', whereas the majority of people's physiology puts the left renal vein in the supra-aortic position, or in front of the aorta (see image here). The left renal vein is larger than the right, and receives more blood, so when it sits behind the aorta in can be a bit squashed and may lead to pain and swelling of the kidney (see clinical significance here). Good news is that this is a separate issue from TC, and if it is giving you no clinical complications (this was something that occurred when you were a developing fetus, so if you haven't noticed by now, it is probably something to which your body is adapted), they will probably just note it and watch you for kidney function and swelling.

Hope that helps,
T

[mpalka6]

Thanks a lot