Spontaneous rupture of inferior vena cava

Am J Emerg Med. 2017 Sep;35(9):1383.e3-1383.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2017.05.042. Epub 2017 May 26.

Abstract

Spontaneous ruptures of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are rare. The mortality rate is high associated with all IVC injuries despite prompt resuscitation or operation. We present a case of 68-year-old women with spontaneous IVC dissection, presented as acute chest pain. Chest CT demonstrated a large amount of hemopericardium, and dilated inferior vena cava (IVC), suggesting cardiac tampon. Subsequently, hypovolemic shock and cardiac arrest occurred. After resuscitation, abdomen CT angiography was taken to find bleeding focus. Second CT demonstrated massive contrast extravasation to pericardial space due to rupture of IVC. Patient expired due to multi-organ failure.

Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases; Chest pain; Inferior vena cava; Spontaneous rupture; Vascular system injuries.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Computed Tomography Angiography
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Humans
  • Pericardium / diagnostic imaging*
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vascular System Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / diagnostic imaging*