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Updated: Oct 26, 2025
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Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava
Published on: January 13, 2023
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Elevated Diaphragm Causing Marked Kinking of the Inferior Vena Cava
Akshar Jaglan1, Andy Kieu1, Asad Ghafoor1
1Aurora Cardiovascular and Thoracic Services, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
JACC. Case Reports
|July 28, 2021
Summary
Inferior vena cava (IVC) syndrome, often from clots, can also result from kinking. This case highlights diagnosing IVC obstruction due to a paralyzed hemidiaphragm using advanced imaging.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Vascular Medicine
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) syndrome typically arises from deep vein thrombosis or extrinsic compression.
- Unusual causes of IVC obstruction require thorough diagnostic investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of IVC kinking and obstruction.
- To discuss the management of IVC tortuosity secondary to diaphragmatic paralysis.
Main Methods:
- Echocardiography for initial detection of IVC obstruction.
- Cardiac magnetic resonance and angiography for confirmation and detailed anatomical assessment.
- Evaluation of diaphragmatic function.
Main Results:
- The study identified unusual IVC kinking and obstruction.
- The obstruction was linked to a paralyzed hemidiaphragm.
- Successful diagnostic confirmation through multimodal imaging.
Conclusions:
- Inferior vena cava kinking can be an uncommon cause of IVC syndrome.
- Paralyzed hemidiaphragm can lead to significant IVC tortuosity and obstruction.
- Multimodal imaging is crucial for diagnosing complex IVC abnormalities.
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