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Oncologist, radiologist

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Lower vena cava in pathology

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024

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Dilation of the inferior vena cava occurs in right ventricular heart failure. There is no significant change in diameter during the respiratory cycle, and dilatation of the major branches of the inferior vena cava can also be determined.

The compression of the inferior vena cava can be determined by liver tumors, enlarged lymph nodes or retroperitoneal fibrosis.

The displacement of the inferior vena cava anteriorly occurs with deformity of the spine, spinal abscesses (eg, in tuberculous abscess of the lumbar muscle) or retroperitoneal tumor, such as, for example, lymphoma.

Blood clots in the inferior vena cava

Clearly defined echogenic structures in the lumen of the inferior vena cava occur as a result of thrombosis or when a vein invades a kidney tumor; always check the contours of the kidneys when revealing echogenic structures inside the inferior vena cava. A large venous trunk parallel to the inferior vena cava is visualized by dilatation of the ovarian vein or the ovarian vein. When visualization in the lumen of the inferior vena cava of bright hyperechoic structures with an acoustic shadow, it is necessary to find out from the patient whether there was an anamnesis of the operation for the installation of a cava filter.

If you suspect a thrombosis or tumor before surgery, you must examine the lower hollow vein all over to determine the extent of the lesion. Invasion of the inferior vena cava occurs with renal cell carcinoma, hepatoma, or adrenal cancer. If there is any doubt in the presence of thrombus, it is necessary to perform cavitation, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging.

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