Prenatal diagnosis of isolated interrupted inferior vena cava with azygos continuation to superior vena cava

Abstract

Absence of inferior vena cava is an uncommon congenital abnormality. It is usually associated with other structural anomalies, typically left isomerism. We report a case of interrupted inferior vena cava with azygos continuation diagnosed as an isolated finding during routine prenatal ultrasound scan, confirmed by post-natal echocardiography. Detailed ultrasound examination of the fetal anatomy failed to demonstrate other anomalies. The neonatal course of this fetus was uneventful.

Prenatal diagnosis and clinical outcomes of isolated interruption of the inferior vena cava: an analysis of 12 cases

“…The prevalence of this particular illness is considered low, with an estimated occurrence rate ranging from one in every 20,000 to 40,000 live births, as reported in various studies. [1][2][3][4] Prenatal screening techniques frequently detect IIVC, a significant congenital anomaly that is relatively uncommon. This study contributes significantly to the current knowledge base by focusing solely on cases with isolated IIVC, in contrast to earlier studies that mostly associated inferior vena cava interruption with isomerism and other complex illnesses.…”

“…Any deviation or stoppage in this physiological process, namely inside the right subcardinal vein, can result in an alternative pathway that redirects blood flow through azygos continuation, bypassing the hepatic segment. 1 According to available reports, evidence suggests a higher occurrence of this uncommon vascular variant, affecting an estimated 0.2-3% of the overall population, in persons with congenital cardiac anomalies, specifically left isomerism and atrial septal defects. who do not experience any physiological abnormalities, solitary occurrences of IIVC constitute a significant fraction, with an estimated prevalence of approximately one in 5,000 individuals.…”

Intervention Challenges in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease with Coexisting Interruption of the Inferior Vena Cava - A Case Series

“…The incidence of this anomaly approximates 0.6% in patients with congenital heart defects. [ 2 ] Interruption of IVC with well-developed azygos or hemiazygos continuation often goes undiagnosed due to lack of physiologic abnormality.…”