Renal cell carcinoma with retro-aortic renal vein thrombus: a case series.

Marsh, Howard; Cranston, David; Sullivan, Mark · BJU Int · 2010

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

To present three cases of tumour thrombus in the retro-aortic renal vein (RARV) arising from left renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), a very rare event (<1:1000-2000 per case) and to discuss the embryological, radiological and surgical aspects of this anomaly. Three cases of RCC with RARV thrombus presented in a 1-month period at one institution. All three cases were identified before surgery by computed tomography (CT) urograms and had a successful nephrectomy. RCC in the presence of RARVs is rare but can be identified on CT urogram. At nephrectomy, a midline laparotomy or full 'rooftop incision' is recommended, and any attempt to mobilize the kidney before dealing with the renal pedicle should be avoided.

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