Inferior phrenic vein (Vena phrenica inferior)

Layer: Vessels

Educational content only — not medical advice.

Anatomy

Follows the inferior phrenic artery on the underside of the diaphragm; the right enters the IVC directly, while the left typically empties into the left renal or suprarenal vein.

Clinical notes

Left inferior phrenic vein forms the splenorenal and gastrorenal shunt pathway in portal hypertension, predisposing to large fundic gastric varices.

Related structures

Educational references

FAQ

What is the role of the Inferior phrenic vein?

Follows the inferior phrenic artery on the underside of the diaphragm; the right enters the IVC directly, while the left typically empties into the left renal or suprarenal vein.

Why is the Inferior phrenic vein clinically important?

Left inferior phrenic vein forms the splenorenal and gastrorenal shunt pathway in portal hypertension, predisposing to large fundic gastric varices.

Source & license

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