On axial CT at the level of the renal hilum, the structure that lies anterior to the renal pelvis, medial to the ureter, and posterior to the inferior vena cava on the right side is:

• A Right gonadal vein ✓
• B Right adrenal gland
• C Third part of the duodenum
• D Right psoas muscle

Explanation

The right gonadal vein (right ovarian or testicular vein) runs along the anterior surface of the right psoas muscle, lateral to the inferior vena cava, medial to the ureter, and drains directly into the IVC. Understanding this cross-sectional relationship is critical for distinguishing gonadal vein thrombosis (a cause of right flank pain in pregnancy) from ureteric pathology. The right adrenal gland lies superomedial to the right kidney. The third part of the duodenum crosses transversely at the L3 level, anterior to the aorta and IVC, well below the renal hilum.

Reference: Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.