Congenital Inferior Vena Cava Agenesis with Ulceration and Deep Vein Thrombosis

Abstract

Objectives: This is one of the few case reports of congenital inferior vena cava atresia (IVCA) with extensive bilateral lower extremity ulcers. Background: IVCA is a congenital anomaly characterized by poor venous return in the lower extremities with increased risk of deep vein thrombi (DVTs) and, rarely, non-healing ulcers. Results: A 45-year-old woman with history significant for DVTs presented with extensive bilateral lower extremity ulcers, and a CT scan revealed congenital IVCA. Oedema management, DVT prevention, routine wound care and skin grafts resolved the ulcers. Conclusion: Congenital venous abnormalities should be included in the differential diagnosis of multiple unprovoked DVTs and non-healing ulcers.

Infrarenal inferior vena cava agenesis presenting as acute abdomen and hydronephrosis – case report

“…The true prevalence of thrombophilia in patients with IVC anomalies is unknown [17] . As mentioned above, the pelvic and lower extremity DVT risk is elevated (10-fold increase) due to often insufficiently developed collateral pathways, leading to inadequate venous return, venous hypertension, and venous stasis [6 , 15 , 18] . About 5% of people under 30 with DVT have this condition [5 , 8 , 9 , 14 , 19] .…”

“…Their incidence in the general population ranges from 0.05% to 8.7% [5] . The inferior vena cava agenesis (IVCA), however, carries a significantly higher risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) [6] .…”