[Embryogenetic malformations of the inferior vena cava, and their manifestations in adults]

Five male patients with congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava aged 20 to 43 were examined. The diagnosis and the level of aplasia were established on the basis of complex instrumental examination (duplex scanning of inferior extremity veins, pelvic veins, and retroperitoneal veins; computed and magnetic resonance tomography of the abdominal cavity; pelvic phlebography; retrograde cavagraphy). Together with inferior vena cava anomalies, other malformations such as pulmonary arterial stenosis or duplication of renal collector system were diagnosed in two patients. In three or 60% of the patients the disease had first manifested by the clinical picture of peripheral thrombosis (shin and femoral edema); fever, chill and subsequent edema of both legs had been first manifestations in two patients. Aplasia of the infrarenal segment of the inferior vena cava was revealed in two patients; in other two patients aplasia of the infrarenal, renal, and partly suprarenal segments of this magistral vessel was found; in one patient the whole vein was aplastic except a small part of the suprarenal segment, where the hepatic veins and the right suprapolar renal vein flew into. To establish an early diagnosis of a congenital inferior vena cava anomaly, the protocol of examination of patients with venous diseases should include ultrasound mapping of the suprarenal and infrarenal segments of the vena cava; in cases of agenesia it should include computed and magnetic resonance tomography and retrograde cavagraphy.