Inferior vena cava dissection following blunt abdominal trauma

Emerg Radiol. 2010 Jul;17(4):339-42. doi: 10.1007/s10140-010-0864-0. Epub 2010 Mar 7.

Abstract

Dissection of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is rare, with only a few published reports in the literature. It is usually associated with blunt abdominal injury or iatrogenic injury from a catheter manipulation. Venous dissections are rare due to lack of well-developed layers in the walls (intima, media and adventitia), low pressure in the venous system, and the absence of atherosclerotic changes. However, IVC dissection is associated with a high mortality rate due to the difficulty in diagnosis, technically difficult surgical repair, and associated solid organ injuries. We report a case of IVC dissection from a low-speed motor vehicle collision and discuss its imaging features.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Injuries / complications*
  • Abdominal Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Abdominal Injuries / surgery
  • Aortic Dissection / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aortic Dissection / etiology*
  • Aortic Dissection / surgery
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / injuries*
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / surgery
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating* / complications
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating* / diagnostic imaging
  • Young Adult