The Ascending Lumbar Communicant Vein

The ascending lumbar communicant vein is a communication between the left ascending lumbar vein and the left renal vein. Because of its retroperitoneal location, when dilated, it may be mistaken for a lymph node on non-contrast studies with thick collimation.

The image shows the left renal vein in yellow, the ascending lumbar communicant vein in red, and the lumbar vein in blue.

References

Yao Y, et al. Communicating Vein between the Left Renal Vein and Left Ascending Lumber Vein: Incidence and Significance on Abdominal CT. Radiation Medicine: 2003; 21(6) 252–257.