Duplication of caudal vena cava in a cat

Abstract

Caudal vena cava (CVC) may develop abnormally due to its complex embryogenesis. Understanding congenital variants such as duplication of CVC is essential for clinical interventions, especially performed by surgeons and radiologists. In this context, we summarize the imaging and clinical characteristics of CVC duplication and accompanying portosystemic shunt diagnosed in a six-month-old cat using computed tomography angiography. In our patient, the CVC branched into two vessels on either side of the abdominal aorta and merged into a single vessel at the level where the renal veins emerge. The duplication of the CVC, along with portosystemic shunts and ureter anomalies, can increase the risk of thromboembolism, especially in cats with heart disease. Due to the evolving nature of computed tomography technology in animals, the number of diagnoses made using this method is still relatively low. It is anticipated that the rate of CVC duplication in cats and dogs will increase as diagnoses become more frequent.