A unique case of hypoplastic inferior vena cava leading to bilateral iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction and review of literature

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common cardiovascular disease associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality whereas it induces substantial health care costs and increased use of resources. The current standard of treatment for acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is anticoagulation, although revascularization can be considered in younger patients with severe symptoms and extensive thrombus burden to prevent long-term sequalae of VTE (eg, recurrent DVTs, post-thrombotic syndrome post-pulmonary embolism syndrome, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension). A rare cause of VTE is anomalous development of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and can challenge endovascular revascularization. This case report describes a case of hypoplastic supra hepatic IVC, associated with distal IVC occlusion and bilateral lower extremity DVTs treated successfully with suction thrombectomy and on table only thrombolysis, avoiding the higher risk for major bleeding, intensive care unit admission and prolonged hospitalization associated with prolonged tissue plasminogen activator infusion.

Keywords

• Hypoplastic IVC
• IVC anomalies
• Deep venous thrombosis
• DVT
• Suction thrombectomy