Authors : Marta Guimaraes , Pedro Rodrigues , Ana Vilaca , Mario Nora and Gil Goncalves
Abstract: Congenital anomalies of the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) are rare and result from aberrant development of the venous system during embryogenesis. The authors describe a case of a 23-year-old man with complete absence of the inferior vena cava. He was admitted to the emergency room with edema and pain of his left lower limb. A doppler ultrasound revealed thrombosis of the left iliac, femoral and popliteal veins. The patient was treated with low molecular weight heparin and discharged with oral acenocumarol therapy. The three main influences in the pathogenesis of thrombosis are: Abnormalities of the vessel wall, blood components and dynamics of flow (Virchow triad, described over 100 years ago). An anomalous inferior vena cava should be suspected in patients 30 years of age or younger who have thrombosis involving the iliac veins.
Marta Guimaraes , Pedro Rodrigues , Ana Vilaca , Mario Nora and Gil Goncalves , 2008. Agenesis of the Inferior Vena Cava: A Case Report. Surgery Journal, 3: 104-107.