title: Cauda equina syndrome secondary to an absent inferior vena cava managed with surgical decompression.
abstract: The authors report on the case of a 24-year-old man who presented with back pain and radiculopathy due to epidural venous engorgement in the setting of a congenitally absent inferior vena cava. Despite initial improvement after steroid administration, the patient's health ultimately declined over a period of weeks, and signs and symptoms of cauda equina syndrome manifested. Lumbar decompression was performed and involved coagulation and resection of the compressive epidural veins. No complications occurred, and the patient made a full neurological recovery.
authors: Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2380, USA.
authors: Mayshan
authors: M
authors: Ghiassi
authors: Mahan
authors: M
authors: Ghiassi
authors: Elyne
authors: E
authors: Kahn
authors: Luke
authors: L
authors: Tomycz
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Ayad
authors: Oran
authors: O
authors: Aaronson
mesh_terms: D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006940:Hyperemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011128:Polyradiculopathy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000002:abnormalities*; D055815:Young Adult