title: Localization of the head of the pancreas using the junction of the left renal vein and the inferior vena cava.
abstract: The junction of the left renal vein with the inferior vena cava is visualized on most computed tomography studies of the abdomen. This junction is a useful guide in localizing the pancreatic head, just as the superior mesenteric artery is used to localize the body of the pancreas.
mesh_terms: D002445:Celiac Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D010179:Pancreas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012082:Renal Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*