Endovascular management of congenital atresia of the infrarenal IVC

Developmental or Procedural Vena Cava Interruption and Venous Thromboembolism: A Review

The inferior vena cava (IVC) and superior vena cava are the main conduits of the systemic venous circulation into the right atrium. Developmental or procedural interruptions of vena cava might predispose to stasis and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) distal to the anomaly and may impact the subsequent rate of pulmonary embolism (PE). This study aimed to review the various etiologies of developmental or procedural vena cava interruption and their impact on venous thromboembolism. A systematic search was performed in PubMed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines per each clinical question. For management questions with no high-quality evidence and no mutual agreements between authors, Delphi methods were used. IVC agenesis is the most common form of congenital vena cava interruption, is associated with an increased risk of DVT, and should be suspected in young patients with unexpected extensive bilateral DVT. Surgical techniques for vena cava interruption (ligation, clipping, and plication) to prevent PE have been largely abandoned due to short-term procedural risks and long-term complications, although survivors of prior procedures are occasionally encountered. Vena cava filters are now the most commonly used method of procedural interruption, frequently placed in the infrarenal IVC. The most agreed-upon indication for vena cava filters is for patients with acute venous thromboembolism and coexisting contraindications to anticoagulation. Familiarity with different forms of vena cava interruption and their local and systemic adverse effects is important to minimize complications and thrombotic events.

Multimodal imaging assessment for feasibility of endovascular reconstruction in cases of inferior vena cava atresia

Inferior vena cava atresia is a rare condition with highly variable anatomy due to the complexity of caval embryology. When endovascular venovenous reconstruction is considered for severe persistent sequelae, multimodality imaging with CT and invasive venography is used to determine the appropriateness of intervention and for procedural planning.

Systematic review of inferior vena cava atresia

OBJECTIVE

Inferior vena cava (IVC) atresia is a rare venous anomaly characterized by absence of the IVC. It has been associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other congenital anomalies. The aim of the present study is to provide a comprehensive summary of the literature on IVC atresia and discuss the presentation and outcomes of patients with IVC atresia.

METHODS

A systematic review of the English literature up to April 2020 was performed. The presentations and treatments reported were noted and compared between the two sexes. The IVC atresia cases were further stratified into isolated IVC atresia and IVC atresia associated with other congenital anomalies.

RESULTS

A total of 412 abstracts were screened, with 178 reports included. A total of 376 patients were analyzed. Overall, males seem to be more affected than females, with a ratio of almost 2:1 (male, 227 [64.1%]; vs female, 127 [35.8%]). However, females were more likely to have congenital IVC atresia compared with males (46.1% vs 21.3%; P < .001). The mean age at presentation was 27.9 ± 18.0 years (range, 0-77 years), with no differences between the sexes. Most patients with IVC atresia presented with DVT (n = 242 of 376; 64.3%), with the iliac veins most often affected (n = 159 of 242; 65.7%). No difference was found in the reported proportion of patients presenting with DVT between the two sexes. The symptom presentation was similar, with leg pain and swelling the most common in both sexes. The patients were treated either medically with anticoagulation or surgically (open or endovascular). No mortality was reported with isolated IVC atresia in either treatment group. However, the mortality of patients with IVC atresia associated with other congenital anomalies was 11.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

IVC atresia is more common in males but seems to have a predilection for females in the setting of other congenital anomalies. Most patients present with leg pain and swelling related to the development of DVT. Open and endovascular surgical interventions to treat IVC atresia have been reported in 18.3% of patients reviewed, with acceptable mid-term results in terms of patency and symptomatic relief.