Congenital absence of inferior vena cava as a rare cause of pulmonary thromboembolism.
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.
Cho
Byoung Chul
BC
Department of Internal Medicine National Health Insurance Corporation Ilsan Hospital, 1232 Baeksuk-dong, Ilsan, Koyang, Gyeonggido 411-719, Korea.
Choi
Hye Jin
HJ
Kang
Seok Min
SM
Chang
Joon
J
Lee
Sun Min
SM
Yang
Dong Gyu
DG
Hong
Yong Kuk
YK
Lee
Dong Hyung
DH
Lee
Yong Won
YW
Kim
Sung Kyu
SK
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000002:abnormalities*