Brendan Rory Barber MBChB, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Alex Horton MRCP, FRCR, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Uday Patel MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ioannis Vlahos MBBS, Abstract Co-Author: Research grant, Bayer AG Consultant, Siemens AG Consultant, Bayer AG

Varicocele and ovarian varices are commonly managed by embolotherapy, with a high success rate. We aim to: • Review the normal and variant gonadal vein anatomy • Highlight the difference between normally and abnormally fed varicoceles • Re-examine gonadal vein embolization with regards to reasons for failure

Gonadal Vein Anatomy • Embryology • Normal anatomy • Variant anatomy • Venograms & MDCT Varicoceles • Normally fed • Abnormally fed Varicocele embolization • Technique • Reasons for failure • Anatomical rules to facilitate cannulation of veins  

Gonadal vein and varicocele anatomical variations can impact on the success of varicocele embolization. Failures are mostly due to technical reasons, of which the most common are failed cannulation or unexpected anatomical variations. Teaching points: • Awareness of the variations of gonadal vein anatomy • The differences between normal and aberrantly fed varicoceles • Review of embolization with suggested anatomical rules that may aid localization of the vein during difficult cannulation  

Barber, B, Horton, A, Patel, U, Vlahos, I, Variations of Gonadal Vein Anatomy and Feeding Vessels: The Effect on the Success of Gonadal Vein Embolization.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9011191.html