How is IVC obstruction diagnosed?
The most reliable noninvasive methods for establishing a diagnosis of IVC anomalies are computed tomography (CT) with intravenous (IV) contrast and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CT, unlike US, is a good imaging modality for the retroperitoneal space.
What is an IVC test?
A vascular ultrasound of the inferior vena cava and iliac veins is an exam to check the major veins in your abdomen and pelvis for any evidence of obstruction or blood clots.
How can you tell the difference between SVC and IVC obstruction?
The most common symptoms of SVC obstruction are headache, shortness of breath (SOB), facial plethora, upper limb edema, and distended neck and upper chest veins [2]. IVC obstruction commonly presents with lower limb edema, tachycardia, and supine hypotensive syndrome [3].
What happens when IVC is blocked?
A blockage in the inferior vena cava (IVC) can lead to chronic leg swelling, pain, and immobility, according to the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) IVC Filter Clinic. There may be other health complications depending on a person’s age and preexisting medical conditions.
What is an IVC obstruction?
Specialty. Cardiology. Inferior vena cava syndrome (IVCS) is a constellation of symptoms resulting from obstruction of the inferior vena cava. It can be caused by physical invasion or compression by a pathological process or by thrombosis within the vein itself. It can also occur during pregnancy.
What causes IVC obstruction?
Obstruction of the superior vena cava (SVC) or inferior vena cava (IVC) is most commonly an acquired condition, typically caused by malignancy, benign conditions such as mediastinal fibrosis, and iatrogenic causes such as venous catheterization.
What is IVC on CT scan?
The inferior vena cava (IVC) (plural: inferior venae cavae) drains venous blood from the lower trunk, abdomen, pelvis and lower limbs to the right atrium of the heart. It is usually considered to be one of the great vessels.
What is IVC obstruction?
Specialty. Cardiology. Inferior vena cava syndrome (IVCS) is a constellation of symptoms resulting from obstruction of the inferior vena cava. It can be caused by physical invasion or compression by a pathological process or by thrombosis within the vein itself.
What are the symptoms of superior vena cava syndrome?
The most common presenting symptoms of SVC syndrome are face/neck swelling, distended neck veins, cough, dyspnea, orthopnea, upper extremity swelling, distended chest vein collaterals, and conjunctival suffusion.
What is IVC in human body?
The IVC is a large blood vessel responsible for transporting deoxygenated blood from the lower extremities and abdomen back to the right atrium of the heart. It has the largest diameter of the venous system and is a thin-walled vessel.
Is IVC thrombus a DVT?
However, the implications and complexity of IVC thrombosis (IVCT) merit specific attention. From a global standpoint, IVCT represents a subset of DVT. Virchow recognized and described the factors predisposing a patient to venous thrombosis.
Where is the first evaluation of the IVC performed?
It is associated with a wide variety of congenital and pathologic processes and can be a source of vital information for referring clinicians. Initial evaluation of the IVC is most likely to occur at computed tomography performed for another indication.
Are there any reports of inferior vena cava ( IVC ) syndrome?
There are very few reports of inferior vena cava (IVC) compression, in contrast to the SVC syndrome, as a manifestation of underlying malignancy. Some tumors have been reported to have compressive effects on the IVC.
What causes the absence of an IVC at imaging?
IVC absence may result from complete failure of embryonic vein development; however, perinatal venous thrombosis and atrophy have also been suggested ( 8 – 10 ). In addition to inability to identify the IVC at imaging, prominent venous collateralization may be a finding ( Fig 2 ).
What are the major collateral pathways of IVC obstruction?
The major collateral pathways seen with SVC or IVC obstruction are well described and include the azygos-hemiazygos, internal and external mammary, lateral thoracic, and vertebral pathways.