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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
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Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava
Published on: January 13, 2023
Stray bullet in inferior vena cava.
Ahmad Uzair Qureshi1, Salman Akhtar, Khalid Masood Gondal
1Department of General Surgery, Mayo Hospital, King Edward Medical University, Lahore. ahmed_uzairq@hotmail.com
Summary
A stray bullet caused severe internal injuries, including liver damage and a rare case of a bullet traveling into the inferior vena cava. This highlights the unpredictable nature of gunshot wounds.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Stray bullet injuries typically remain in soft tissues.
- Abdominal trauma requires prompt and accurate diagnosis.
- Vascular involvement in penetrating injuries can be life-threatening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of a stray bullet migrating into the inferior vena cava.
- To emphasize the importance of thorough imaging in abdominal gunshot wounds.
- To discuss the management of complex intra-abdominal injuries.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a young male with abdominal trauma.
- Diagnostic imaging including abdominal ultrasound and radiography.
- Surgical exploration (laparotomy) to assess and repair injuries.
- Identification and retrieval of a foreign object from the inferior vena cava.
Main Results:
- The patient sustained injuries to the liver and cystic duct.
- A bullet was identified within the lumen of the inferior vena cava.
- Hemoperitoneum was confirmed, necessitating surgical intervention.
- The bullet's trajectory led retroperitoneally into the great vessel.
Conclusions:
- Stray bullet trajectories can be unpredictable and lead to severe vascular complications.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are critical for managing intra-abdominal penetrating injuries.
- This case underscores the potential for bullets to migrate into major vascular structures.
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