Preduodenal portal vein, intestinal malrotation, polysplenia, and interruption of the inferior vena cava: a review of anatomical anomalies associated with gastric cancer

Abstract

Purpose: Anatomical anomalies of visceral organs associated with gastric cancer are extremely rare. Here, we report a case of preduodenal portal vein (PDPV), intestinal malrotation, interruption of the inferior vena cava (IVC), and polysplenia associated with gastric cancer in an adult patient, together with a review of the literature on the anomalies of visceral organs associated with gastric cancer.

Methods: We describe the diagnosis and surgical treatment in a 63 year-old man who had a preoperative diagnosis of PDPV, intestinal malrotation, interruption of the IVC with azygos continuation, and polysplenia associated with gastric cancer. Fifteen reports, in the English literature up to 2011, on visceral organ anomalies detected in gastric cancer patients were identified by searching Medline.

Results: All of the 15 cases of anomalies associated with gastric cancer, including the present case, were correctly diagnosed by preoperative imaging. Situs anomaly was the most frequent anatomical anomaly detected, and PDPV was observed in only four cases. In 12 cases, gastrectomy was performed, and gastrojejunostomy was done in 1 case.

Conclusions: Although embryological anomalies such as PDPV, intestinal malrotation, interruption of the IVC, and polysplenia are rarely encountered in abdominal surgery, surgeons must be aware of their possible existence and be able to recognize them to avoid major intraoperative injuries.