Imaging of the Inferior Vein Cava: the large forgotten with much to say

Congress:

ECR 2018

Poster Number:

C-1692

Type:

Educational Exhibit

Keywords:

Abdomen, Veins / Vena cava, Vascular, CT, Ultrasound, Diagnostic procedure, Education and training

Authors:

C. Botía González, J. M. Plasencia Martínez, I. Vicente Zapata, A. barceló cárceles, A. García Chiclano, M. J. GAYÁN BELMONTE, A. P. Solano Romero, B. Márquez Argente del Castillo, M. Lozano Ros; Murcia/ES

DOI:

10.1594/ecr2018/C-1692

DOI-Link:

https://dx.doi.org/10.1594/ecr2018/C-1692

Fig. 1: Axial image of ultrasound at the level of the retroperitoneum shows echogenic...

Fig. 2: Axial T1-W fat-supression contrast-enhanced MRI of the same patient shows...

Fig. 3: Picture showing the embriology of the IVC, in which multiple venous channels...

Fig. 4: Axial oblique contrast-enhanced abdominal CT shows a left renal vein with in...

Learning objectives

To review the spectrum of congenital anomalies and the pathologic conditions that can affect the inferior vein cava (IVC) and their pitfalls.

Background

The inferior vein cava is the main conduit of venous return to the right atrium from the lower extremities and abdominal viscera. It is formed by the confluence of the right and left common iliac veins, which drain blood from the lower extremities and pelvis. As it ascends in the retroperitoneum to the right of the abdominal aorta, the IVC receives blood from the lumbar veins, the left and right renal veins, the right gonadal vein, and the hepatic veins. The azygos venous system connects...

Findings and procedure details

A.Anatomic variants Anatomic variants of the IVC are present in up to 4% of general population. Although most of them are asymptomatic and incidentally encountered, they should always be mentioned in the radiologic report; first, because of their importance in the planning of vascular interventions and second, because patients with anatomic variations are considered at higher risk of deep vein thrombosis of the common femoral and iliac veins, which typically occurs at a younger age than those without anatomic IVC anomalies. Anatomic variants of the...

Conclusion

The IVC is often an underlooked structure that may provide valuable information that may be missed if enough attention is not paid to it. Knowledge of the main diseases that may affect it as well as the most appropiate imaging techniques and protocols for their study should be a fundamental part of the search pattern in abdominal studies.

Personal information

References

1.Smillie RP, Shetty M, Boyer AC, Madrazo B, Syed R, Jafri Z. Imaging Evaluation of the Inferior Vena Cava. RadioGraphics. 2015;35:578–92. 2. Kandpal H. Imaging the Inferior Vena Cava: A Road Less Traveled. RadioGraphics. 2008; 28 (3):669-689. 3. Sheth S, Fishman Sheth S EK. Imaging of the Inferior Vena Cava with MDCT.American Journal of Roentgenoloy2007;189:1243–51.