Inferior vena cava anomalies-a common cause of DVT and PE commonly not diagnosed.
Publication/Presentation Date
5-1-2008
Abstract
A 62-year-old white male presented with recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE) despite having an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter. Investigations ruled out upper limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and IVC thrombus, the common causes for a PE in the presence of IVC filter. The culprit was double IVC with a persisting left supracardinal vein that allowed an alternate route for the leg DVT to cause PE. IVC anomalies have a propensity to cause lower limb DVT. Although rarely suspected recent studies have revealed that IVC anomalies are not rare if anticipated and evaluated. Chest CT scans in cases of suspected idiopathic PE should extend up to the renal veins as this will identify common IVC anomalies. Therapy to prevent recurrent DVT can be instituted. A good quality venacavagram should always precede any IVC filter placement as this will identify almost all IVC anomalies and appropriate steps can prevent a recurrent PE.
Volume
335
Issue
5
First Page
409
Last Page
410
ISSN
0002-9629
Published In/Presented At
Nanda, S., Bhatt, S. P., & Turki, M. A. (2008). Inferior vena cava anomalies-a common cause of DVT and PE commonly not diagnosed. The American journal of the medical sciences, 335(5), 409–410. https://doi.org/10.1097/MAJ.0b013e318155748d
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
18480663
Department(s)
Department of Medicine
Document Type
Article