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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
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Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava
Published on: January 13, 2023
Infraphrenic collaterals in malignant superior vena cava obstruction.
Ruchi Rastogi1, Sanjay Thulkar, Rachana Garg
1Department of Radiodiagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Clinical Imaging
|September 11, 2007
Summary
Malignant superior vena cava obstruction can cause unusual infraphrenic venous collaterals. These, along with focal liver enhancement on CT scans, are specific indicators of this serious condition.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Vascular Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction is a critical condition often caused by malignancy.
- Identifying specific imaging features can aid in diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- Three cases of malignant SVC obstruction were analyzed.
- Infraphrenic venous collaterals were noted in all cases.
- One case exhibited intense focal hepatic enhancement on CT scans.
Findings:
- Infraphrenic venous collaterals are uncommon but specific CT findings in SVC obstruction.
- Focal liver enhancement on CT is another specific, though rare, indicator.
Implications:
- These CT features can help radiologists and oncologists diagnose SVC obstruction earlier.
- Recognizing these signs may improve patient outcomes through timely intervention.
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