Congenital absence of inferior vena cava as a rare cause of pulmonary thromboembolism
Authors
Byoung Chul Cho ; Hye Jin Choi ; Sung Kyu Kim ; Yong Won Lee ; Dong Hyung Lee ; Yong Kuk Hong ; Dong Gyu Yang ; Sun Min Lee ; Joon Chang ; Seok Min Kang
Vena cava abnormalities ; deep venous thrombosis ; pulmonary embolism
Abstract
Interruption of the inferior vena cava IVC) with azygos continuation is an uncommon vascular anomaly that results from aberrant development during embryogenesis. We report a rare case of this anomaly, presenting with massive pulmonary embolism. Subsequent evaluation with abdominal CT scan revealed the congenital absence of retrohepatic IVC. The patient was successfully treated with anticoagulation. When deep venous thrombosis (DVT) develops in patients with no apparent risk factors, the presence of congenital IVC anomalies should be considered.