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Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava
Published on: January 13, 2023
Inferior vena cava filter from left-sided superior vena cava
Sujit Nair1, Duncan Ettles, Graham Robinson
1Department of Radiology, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull HU3 2JZ, UK. drsnnair@hotmail.com
Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology
|September 21, 2007
Summary
A rare anatomical variation, a left-sided superior vena cava, complicated a patient with recurrent pulmonary embolism. The case demonstrates successful inferior vena cava filter placement despite this unusual venous anatomy.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are significant clinical challenges.
- Recurrent PE despite anticoagulation necessitates investigation into underlying causes, including anatomical variations.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old male presented with recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE) despite therapeutic anticoagulation.
- Computed tomography (CT) and brachiocephalic venography identified an unusual left-sided superior vena cava (SVC).
Findings:
- The patient had a persistent left superior vena cava, a rare congenital anomaly.
- Successful placement of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter was achieved via the left SVC, a novel approach.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing rare anatomical variations in managing thromboembolic disease.
- Percutaneous filter placement is feasible even with complex venous anomalies like a left SVC.
- Successful IVC filter deployment in this scenario expands interventional options for high-risk PE patients.
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