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Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava
Published on: January 13, 2023
Interrupted inferior vena cava syndrome.
Ankur J Mehta1, Arvind H Kate, Neelam Gupta
1Institute of Pulmonology, Medical Research and Development, Mumbai.
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|February 15, 2013
Summary
Interrupted inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare defect where blood flows through the azygos vein. This case highlights potential links to pulmonary hypertension and increased thrombosis risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Radiology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Interrupted inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare congenital anomaly.
- It typically presents asymptomatically with azygos/hemiazygos continuation.
- Venous blood from the lower body bypasses the IVC via the azygos vein.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old female presented for routine health screening.
- Echocardiography revealed pulmonary hypertension.
- Pulmonary function tests showed restrictive patterns.
Findings:
- Computed tomography pulmonary angiography identified a dilated azygos vein without pulmonary embolism.
- Abdominal CT confirmed interrupted inferior vena cava.
- The patient had no prior history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
Implications:
- This case underscores the association between interrupted IVC and pulmonary hypertension.
- Patients with interrupted IVC may have an elevated risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
- Early detection through advanced imaging is crucial for risk stratification and management.
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