Inferior vena cava obstruction. A complication of prostate cancer

Inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction, manifested as bilateral, asymmetric, asymptomatic, pitting leg edema and scrotal swelling, developed in two patients with advanced prostatic cancer. Radiological confirmation was obtained in both patients. Inferior vena cava obstruction was the initial manifestation of disease progression and occurred in patients who were ambulatory without evidence of congestive heart failure or concurrent estrogen therapy. Early IVC contrast study is indicated in similar patients in whom asymptomatic bilateral leg edema of obscure origin develops.