title: Clinical implications of the convex supradiaphragmatic inferior vena cava.
abstract: The configuration of the supradiaphragmatic segment of the inferior vena cava (SIVC) was evaluated on lateral chest radiographs to determine the clinical situations in which a posterior convex contour occurred. Of 34 patients with a convex SIVC, 31 had cardiovascular abnormalities. Left ventricular enlargement was present in 17 of 34 (50%), and right ventricular failure in 13 (38%). Valvular regurgitation, left-to-right shunts, narrow anteroposterior chest diameter, and chronic obstructive lung disease were also present. In 102 consecutive normal patients, the SIVC was visible in 97%; only 1 patient had a convex SIVC (p = 10(-7)). The results show that detection of a convex SIVC suggests associated abnormalities.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006332:Cardiomegaly / Q000150:complications; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology