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Updated: Nov 11, 2025
05:37
Stenosis of the Inferior Vena Cava: A Murine Model of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: December 22, 2017
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Unexpected inferior vena cava syndrome: leiomyosarcoma
Raquel Oliveira1, Verena Pires2, Cristiane Macedo3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra EPE, Coimbra, Portugal raqueloliv94@gmail.com.
BMJ Case Reports
|March 30, 2021
Summary
Rare inferior vena cava leiomyosarcomas can cause vague symptoms like back pain and swelling. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and imaging findings for this uncommon vascular tumor.
Area of Science:
- Vascular oncology
- Surgical pathology
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Leiomyosarcomas are rare malignant tumors originating from smooth muscle cells.
- Vascular leiomyosarcomas arise from the muscular walls of major blood vessels.
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) leiomyosarcomas are exceptionally rare, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms.
Observation:
- An 84-year-old female presented with lower back pain, bilateral abdominal irradiation, and peripheral edema.
- Imaging revealed an infrahepatic mass, leading to a biopsy.
- Biopsy confirmed leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava.
Findings:
- Inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma diagnosis can be challenging due to nonspecific symptoms.
- Characteristic imaging findings are crucial for early detection.
- Vascular leiomyosarcomas require specialized diagnostic and management approaches.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of IVC leiomyosarcoma is needed among clinicians.
- Advanced imaging techniques play a vital role in diagnosing rare vascular tumors.
- Timely diagnosis and management can improve outcomes for patients with IVC leiomyosarcoma.
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