Deep vein thrombosis in patient with left-sided inferior vena cava draining into the hemiazygos vein: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Abnormalities of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are uncommon, and in many cases they are asymptomatic. Even so, it is vital that clinicians be aware of such anomalies prior to surgery in affected individuals. In the present report, we describe a rare anatomical variation of the IVC. CASE SUMMARY A 66-year-old male was admitted to the hospital due to deep vein thrombosis of the right lower extremity. Upon contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging, we found that this patient presented with a case of left-sided IVC draining into the hemiazygos vein, while his hepatic vein was directly draining into the atrium. CONCLUSION Cases of left-sided IVC can increase patient susceptibility to thromboembolism owing to the resultant changes in blood flow and/or associated vascular compression.