[Intrahepatic collateral veins in obliteration of the inferior vena cava]

Occlusion of the inferior vena cava (IVC) can be either congenital or acquired. Tumors at the porta hepatis are the most common cause of acquired occlusion. Various pathways of venous collateralization are described. The development of a transhepatic venous shunt depends on the isolated inflow of the liver veins into the IVC at different levels, with flow reversal in the most inferior hepatic vein. The case of a 46-year-old female patient with an intrahepatic venous shunt is presented. Ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and angiography were performed. Their relative diagnostic values are discussed.