IVC Thrombosis

Ray Ballinger, MD, PhD

Straub Clinic and Hospital/ Hawaii Pacific Health

rballinger at straub.net

Abstract

61 y/o woman presents with shortness of breath

Keywords

CT abdomen

Publication Date: 17 November 2003

History and Images

61 y/o woman presents with shortness of breath. Known retroperitoneal sarcoma.

Findings

Contrast enhanced CT images at the level of the diaphram and above show a filling defect in the inferior vena cava and right atrium of the heart.

Diagnosis

IVC Thrombosis

Discussion

Thrombophlebitis is a common complication amoung patients with malignancies due to altered coagulation. About 5-15% of patients with lower extremity thrombophlebitis develop IVC thrombosis as well. Limited information and follow up of this case prevents us from distinguishing between thrombosis of the IVC with extension into the right antrium and tumor extension into the IVC. Common tumors that extend into the IVC include renal cell carcinoma, adrenal neuroblastoma, Wilm's tumor and sarcomas which may arise directly from the wall of the IVC such as a leimyosarcoma.