we report an uncommon anatomical variations of the left renal vein was found on dissected specimen in an elderly male cadaver: a retroaortic left renal vein. no other vascular anomalies were noted in this specimen. the anomaly result may be related to a particular pattern of left inferior vena cava. the abnormality have to be known for it may be undetected or be misleading in imaging. this anatomical curiosity should be kept in mind by clinicians and academics that may manipulate this anatomical area
