Management of inferior vena cava aneurysm

Inferior vena cava (IVC) aneurysm is an infrequent but potentially lethal abnormality. We have seen one such case in our group practice. We have added this case to a review of 53 previously reported cases in order to develop a management algorithm for this entity.

We conducted a MedLine search of all English-language articles from the first reported case in 1950 through August 2013. Patient demographics, clinical data, management and outcomes were extracted. IVC aneurysms were categorized in 4 types as per Gradman and Steinberg classification.

The mean patient age was 27.1 years (range 5-89) and 57.4% were male. A total of 11 (20.3%) had associated vascular anomalies and iliocaval thrombosis was found in 10 (18.5%). There were 23 type I aneurysms, 8 type IIs, 21 type IIIs and 2 type IVs. All but 1 type I was successfully managed conservatively without complications. For type IIs, only 3 patients were managed conservatively with 1 death related to stroke from paradoxical embolus. For type IIIs, resection was the most common management option (14 patients). One patient was treated endovascularly with aneurysm embolization. A total of 6 asymptomatic patients were treated conservatively with 1 death due to thromboembolism. For type IVs, all cases underwent expectant management with 1 death due to aneurysm rupture.

IVC aneurysms are rare with only 54 cases reported in the literature. Associated vascular anomalies and iliocaval thrombosis should be expected in approximately 20% of cases. Type I aneurysms can be managed expectantly with close surveillance unless symptomatic. For type II-IV, surgical consideration should be given based on high rates of thromboembolic complications and non-negligible risk of rupture.