Objective: This study aims to report two cases of symptomatic extrinsic compression of the inferior vena cava and left iliac vein caused by vertebral osteophytes.
Methods: We present two case reports of extrinsic venous compression by vertebral osteophytes. Both cases were endovascularly treated, with a successful outcome. A review of the literature of this unusual condition is also presented.
Results: The first patient is an 80-year-old woman who presented to the vascular surgery clinic with bilateral lower extremity edema and pain. A computed-tomography angiography (CTA) revealed extrinsic compression of the inferior vena cava from enlarged osteophytes. Venography and intravascular ultrasound were performed, confirming the diagnosis. A self-expanding venous stent was successfully deployed in the inferior vena cava relieving the extrinsic compression. The edema resolved the following day and was discharged without complications. The second patient is a 61-year-old male that presented to the emergency department with a left iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis. CTA showed left iliac vein compression by a lumbar osteophyte. Percutaneous thrombectomy was successfully achieved and an expanding stent was deployed covering the entire lesion. One month after the procedure the patient died from COVID-19-associated respiratory failure.
Conclusion: Osteophytes must be considered when dealing with extrinsic venous compression, especially in elderly people.
Keywords: compression; extrinsic venous compression; osteophyte; venous stent.