Inferior Vena Cava Anomalies with Portal Vein System Continuation Presenting as Portal Hypertension with a Long-term Follow-up

Intern Med. 2020 Nov 15;59(22):2897-2901. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.4956-20. Epub 2020 Jul 21.

Abstract

Inferior vena cava (IVC) anomalies, such as the absence of an intra-hepatic IVC or IVC hypoplasia, are rare. Usually, these anomalies are asymptomatic and cause few clinical issues. We herien report a 53-year-old woman with IVC anomalies who demonstrated both azygos and portal vein system continuation. Over time, this resulted in gradually progressive portal hypertension due to abnormal hemodynamics. The increased inflow from the IVC to the portal vein system for an extended time may contribute to the development of portal hypertension without liver cirrhosis.

Keywords: IVC anomalies; portal hypertension; portal system continuation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Azygos Vein
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Portal* / complications
  • Middle Aged
  • Portal Vein / diagnostic imaging
  • Vena Cava, Inferior* / diagnostic imaging