Focal elastic obstruction of the inferior vena cava

Obstruction of the supra-hepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) is a common cause of hepatic venous hypertension and the most common cause of Budd-Chiari Syndrome. Because most cases of IVC obstruction go undiagnosed until Budd-Chiari Syndrome develops, the natural history of IVC obstruction is not well defined. We report a case of a focal, elastic, non-membranous obstruction of the IVC causing hepatic venous hypertension and elevated serum transaminases in a 36-year-old man. The obstruction was successfully treated with placement of a self-expanding metallic stent with normalization of hepatic transaminases.