Malignant fibrous histocytoma of the inferior vena cava: appearances on contrast-enhanced spiral CT and MRI

Primary malignant tumors of the inferior vena cava are infrequent. We report a very rare case of primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the inferior vena cava and describe the contrast-enhanced spiral computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Received: 16 March 1995/Accepted: 23 April 1995     

Arteriovenous fistula secondary to iliac mycotic aneurysm: helical CT findings

We describe the case of a 59-year-old man who presented a mycotic aneurysm of the common right iliac artery due to Streptococcus agalactiae and developed an arteriovenous fistula within the inferior vena cava secondary to spontaneous rupture of the aneurysm. The clinical syndrome, helical computed tomographic, and angiographic findings are described and discussed. Received: 25 February 1999/Accepted: 7 April 1999     

Renal cell carcinoma and tumor thrombus neovascularity:MR demonstration with pathologic correlation

A case of renal granular cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava and right atrium involvement is presented. Spin-echo and single breath-hold gradient-recalled-echo magnetic resonance pulse sequences demonstrate a patchy flow signal within the cavoatrial thrombus. This pattern, in correlation with the histopathologic findings, represents tumoral neovascularity characteristic of renal carcinoma venous invasion, which was previously reported by angiography, computed tomography, and color Doppler duplex ultrasound. Received: 27 April 1995/Accepted: 24 May 1995     

Intestinal malrotation as an incidental finding on CT in adults

Background:Intestinal malrotation in adults is usually an incidental finding on computed tomography (CT). We present the CT findings of 18 adult patients with malrotation and discuss the clinical implications. Methods: Abdominal scans of 18 patients (12 women, six men; age range = 15–79 years) with intestinal malrotation were reviewed. Special attention was directed to the location of the superior mesenteric vessels, the location of the small and large bowels, the size of the uncinate process, the situs definition, and additional anomalies. Results: The malrotation was an incidental finding in all but one patient. The malrotation was type Ia in 17 patients and IIc in the one symptomatic patient. The superior mesenteric vessels were vertically oriented in 10, inverted in two, normally positioned in four, and mirror imaged in two cases with situs ambiguus. All patients had aplasia of the pancreatic uncinate process, five had a short pancreas, and two had a preduodenal portal vein. Fourteen patients had a normal situs and four had heterotaxia. Seven patients had polysplenia, six of which with associated inferior vena cava anomalies. Conclusions: Intestinal malrotation can be diagnosed on CT by the anatomic location of a right-sided small bowel, left-sided colon, an abnormal relationship of the superior mesenteric vessels, and aplasia of the uncinate process. Awareness of these abnormalities is necessary to diagnose this anomaly. It should be sought in patients with a situs problem, inferior vena cava anomalies, polysplenia, or preduodenal portal vein. Although usually an incidental finding, it is important to diagnose such a malrotation because it may cause abdominal symptoms. Also, knowledge of associated vascular anomalies is important when abdominal surgery is planned. Received: 1 October 1998/Revision accepted: 27 January 1999     

Acute hepatic vein occlusion: spiral CT findings in an experimental study

Background: We investigatedspiral computed tomographic (CT) findings and underlying hemodynamic alterations in acute hepatic vein occlusion. Methods: In nine dogs, immediately after balloon occlusion of the right (n = 4) or left (n = 5) hepatic vein through the transjugular or transfemoral route, we performed single-level dynamic CT with intravenous administration of contrast medium. We created time attenuation curves of individual hepatic segments showing attenuation differences. To investigate underlying hemodynamic alterations, hepatic arteriograms were obtained in two dogs. Results: In all cases, there were three compartments with different time attenuation curves: normal, occluded, and adjacent. The normal compartment, which comprised segments far from the occluded hepatic compartment, showed the normal pattern of hepatic enhancement. The occluded compartment, which was the drainage territory of the occluded hepatic vein, showed high attenuation in the early arterial phase and low attenuation in the portal phase. The adjacent compartment, which shared the same portal vein with the occluded compartment and was drained by the patent hepatic vein adjacent to the occluded one, showed strong contrast enhancement in the late arterial and early portal phase. Spiral CT and hepatic arteriography demonstrated the arterioportal shunt and reversed portal venous flow in the occluded compartment, which drained into the adjacent compartment. Conclusion: Acute hepatic vein occlusion on spiral CT appears as mild, early arterial, high attenuation and portal low attenuation of the occluded compartment and strong enhancement in the late arterial and early portal phases of the adjacent compartment due to arterioportal shunt and reversed portal flow. Received: 15 March 2001/Revision accepted: 4 July 2001     

Interruption of the inferior vena cava with azygos/hemiazygos continuation accompanied by distinct renal vein anomalies: MRA and CT assessment

We report a case of interruption of the inferior vena cava with azygos/hemiazygos continuation and additional variations of the renal veins, an uncommon developmental anomaly. Magnetic resonance angiography and computed tomography, in association with clinical awareness, can be used to diagnose this entity.     

微创时代下腔静脉开放手术的治疗机遇

因下腔静脉在解剖学及组织学方面的特性,治疗上具有特殊性。本文通过回顾既往文献报道,对下腔静脉综合征、平滑肌肉瘤及布加综合征等下腔静脉疾病外科治疗方式的进展进行论述。下腔静脉综合征为下腔静脉部分或完全阻塞所致的临床症候群,较常见且病因多样,占位性病变中下腔静脉平滑肌肉瘤发病罕见,根治性切除是目前唯一有效的治疗手段,其中下腔静脉及肾静脉的处理为手术难点。布加综合征表现为肝后性门脉高压,外科治疗包括手术治疗及介入治疗。     

IVC anomalies and right renal aplasia detected on CT: a possible link?

Background: We report the occurrence of congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and right renal aplasia in three patients as detected on computed tomography (CT). Methods: The medical records and imaging studies of three patients with congenital anomalies of the IVC and right renal aplasia were studied. We also reviewed eight reported cases with such an association. Results: Eleven patients, nine adults and two girls, were included in the series. Indications for imaging included deep vein thrombosis (n = 5), hypertension (n = 2), failure to advance a femoral vein catheter cranially (n = 1), dilated veins along the abdominal wall (n = 1), endstage renal failure (n = 1), and jaundice (n = 1). CT was performed in seven patients, and venography, aortography, and other imaging modalities were performed in four. IVC anomalies included partial or complete absence of the IVC in nine patients and a double vena cava in two. The azygos vein was very prominent in all patients in whom the IVC was absent. The right kidney was absent or very small in all patients. Conclusion: The association between IVC anomalies and absence of the right kidney as detected on CT probably was not incidental. Although most patients had symptoms deriving from the anomalies, these might have been clinically silent. The radiologist should be aware of the possible association between these anomalies, which can be detected on CT.     

Ultrasound examination of the liver: Normal vascular anatomy

Various treatments for liver diseases, including liver transplant (particularly partial liver resection from a living donor), treatment of liver tumors, and TIPS, require detailed knowledge of the complex vascular anatomy of the liver. The hepatic artery and portal vein provide the organ with a double blood supply whereas venous drainage is furnished by the hepatic veins.Multislice computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging provide undeniably excellent information on these structures. On ultrasound, the inferior vena cava, the openings of the hepatic veins, and the main branch of the portal vein can always be visualized, but intrasegmental vessels (portal, arterial, accessory hepatic venous branches) can be only partially depicted and in some cases not at all.In spite of its difficulty and limitations, hepatic sonography is frequently unavoidable, particularly in critically ill patients, and the results are essential for defining diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. For this reason, a thorough knowledge of the sonographic features of hepatic vascular anatomy is indispensable.     

Primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the liver: imaging features of five surgically confirmed cases

Background: The purpose of the present study was to describe the various imaging features of primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the liver, a rare tumor of mesenchymal origin. Methods: Sonography (n= 5), computed tomography (CT; n= 5), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (n= 2), and hepatic arteriography (n= 3) in five patients who underwent partial hepatectomy for tumor resection were retrospectively reviewed and correlated with pathologic findings. Results: All tumors were clearly demarcated from surrounding hepatic parenchyma in sectional imaging with (n= 2) or without (n= 3) a fibrous capsule, which was pathologically verified. Internal architecture of abundant fibrosis, myxoid degeneration, and/or hemorrhagic necrosis reflected the sonographic, CT and MR imaging findings. Marginal tumor staining without definite tumor vasculature was the main feature of hepatic arteriography. There was no intratumoral calcification. All three tumors involving the right lobe of the liver invaded the right hemidiaphragm. Conclusion: Although there were no unique findings of primary hepatic MFH, a combined interpretation of various imaging modalities may elucidate the malignant nature of the tumor. Received: 20 May 1998/Accepted after revision: 1 July 1998     

胎儿下腔静脉离断的超声诊断分析

[目的]探讨产前超声诊断胎儿下腔静脉离断的价值。[方法]对2007年3月至2012年12月在本院产前超声系统筛查201069例孕妇,诊断胎儿下腔静脉离断34例的声像图特征及漏诊原因进行分析。[结果]胎儿下腔静脉离断诊断率为0．17‰,34例中内脏异位综合征11例（其中左侧异构9例,右侧异构2例）,完全性内脏反位2例;合并心脏畸形18例（房室间隔缺损4例,法洛四联症3例,永存动脉干3例,左上腔静脉3例,右室双出口1例,房室间隔缺损＋肺静脉异位引流1例,法洛四联症＋左上腔静脉1例,永存动脉干＋肺静脉异位引流1例,右室双出口＋肺静脉异位引流1例）;漏诊3例,2例在孕23、24周筛查时漏诊,孕32周复查时检出;1例出生后诊断,随访至今5年余,患儿生长发育正常,无异常临床表现。[结论]上下腔静脉长轴切面、胸腹部斜冠状切面、四腔心切面及上腹部横切面是筛查胎儿下腔静脉离断的重要切面,对产前超声诊断胎儿下腔静脉离断具有重要的临床价值。     

Postpartum ovarian vein thrombophlebitis: sonographic diagnosis

Background: We describe our experience with sonographic diagnosis of ovarian vein thrombosis, an uncommon but dangerous postpartum complication. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of seven patients in our institution who developed postpartum ovarian vein thrombophlebitis within the past 5 years. Results: In all cases the diagnosis was made by ultrasound, which showed tubular hypoechoic masses lateral to the great abdominal vessels. The postpartum ovarian vein thrombophlebitis was on the right side in six cases and on the left side in one. In five cases, it protruded into the inferior vena cava. The first three cases were referred to computed tomography after the sonographic diagnosis. In the last four cases, the diagnosis relied solely on sonography and no further evaluation was necessary. Conclusion: Sonographic examination can be diagnostic for ovarian vein thrombosis if performed very carefully in symptomatic postpartum patients. Received: 23 February 2001/Accepted: 21 March 2001     

Does inferior vena cava size predict right atrial pressures in patients receiving mechanical ventilation?

The inferior vena cava diameter and its respiratory response are used to estimate right atrial pressures in spontaneously breathing patients but its value in patients receiving mechanical ventilation is unvalidated. Forty-nine patients undergoing mechanical ventilation were prospectively evaluated in the intensive or coronary care units with two-dimensional echocardiography of the inferior vena cava and simultaneous measurements of mean right atrial pressures by central venous or pulmonary artery catheter. Correlation between inferior vena cava diameter at expiration and mean right atrial pressure was only 0.58. The correlation between inspiratory change in inferior vena cava diameter and mean right atrial pressure was poor (r = 0.13). Despite these correlations, an inferior vena cava diameter of < or = 12 mm predicted a right atrial pressure of 10 mm Hg or less 100% of the time, but sensitivity was only 25%. An inferior vena cava diameter > 12 mm had no predictive value for right atrial pressure.     

Transvenous Pacemaker Implantation Via a Unilateral Left Superior Vena Cava

A 72-year-old man with a unilateral left superior vena cava and anomalous drainage of the inferior vena cava required permanent pacing. The anomalies were verified by venography and cardiac catheterization. Difficulties in implantation of a temporary and permanent pacemaker are described. A transvenous endocardial lead was placed in a stable position in the right ventricle. The pacemaker system has now functioned normally for 32 months.     

双下腔静脉并右肾重复肾胎儿产前超声诊断学特征并文献复习

目的探讨双下腔静脉并右肾重复肾胎儿产前超声诊断学特征。 方法回顾性分析2019年8月5日湖北省妇幼保健院超声科诊断的1例双下腔静脉并右肾重复肾胎儿的产前超声资料，总结双下腔静脉的超声声像图特征，并复习文献。 结果胎儿超声检查右肾见2个肾盂和2组肾静脉，腹部冠状切面显示下腔静脉在肾脏水平向左跨过腹主动脉，肾水平以下与腹主动脉并行左、右侧各见一支下腔静脉，呈"平行三血管征"，双下腔静脉血流走行一致。彩色多普勒超声显示双下腔静脉与腹主动脉血流方向相反，并记录到静脉频谱。 结论掌握双下腔静脉胚胎学基础及超声声像图特征，有利于提高产前超声检出率。     

胎儿左、右侧异构综合征产前超声特征的对比研究

目的 对照病理解剖结果,比较胎儿左侧与右侧异构综合征声像图特征的差异.方法 选择产前超声诊断并经病理解剖证实的胎儿异构综合征病例22例,分析比较左、右侧异构综合征的畸形特征及超声图像的差异.结果 22例胎儿异构综合征中右侧异构18例,左侧异构4例.所有病例均有复杂的心血管畸形及内脏异构.18例右侧异构综合征的主要超声、病理表现为:右房同形异构(17例,94%),内脏异构(17例,94%),肺静脉异位引流(16例,89%),房室共同通道(15例,83%),下腔静脉与主动脉同侧并行(12例,67%),持续性左上腔静脉(11例,61%),右位主动脉弓(10例,56%),功能性单心室(10例,56%).4例左侧异构综合征的超声、病理表现为:全部有左房同形异构、内脏异构及下腔静脉离断,3例并房-室传导阻滞、主动脉发育不良及房室共同通道,2例功能性单心室.结论 内脏异构、房室共同通道、功能性单心室为胎儿左、右侧异构综合征的共同特征,右侧异构综合征多合并肺静脉异位引流、右位主动脉弓、下腔静脉与主动脉同侧并行,左侧异构综合征则以下腔静脉离断、房-室传导阻滞及主动脉发育不良为主要合并声像图表现.

Abstract：

Objective To compare the prenatal ultrasonic characteristics between left and right isomerism as referring to autopsy outcomes.Methods Between November 2007 and July 2010,fetuses with isomerism that were confirmed by autopsy,were identified from 1200 prenatal ultrasonic scans.Their abnormal spectrums and ultrasonic features were analyzed and comparied between left and right isomerism.Results A total of 18 fetuses with right isomerism and 4 fetuses with left isomerism were detected and confirmed.The major findings of the right isomerism were;viscerocardiac heterotaxy (17,94%),anomalous pulmonary venous connection (16,89%),complete atrioventricular septal defect (15,83%),juxtaposition of the descending aorta and inferior vena cava(12,67%),left persistent superior vena cava (11,61%),right aortic arch (10,56%) and univentricle (10,56%).As for the left isomerism,all had viscerocardiac heterotaxy and interruption of inferior vena cave,three of them had heart block,complete atrioventricular septal defect and hypoplasia of aorta,two of them had univentricle.Conclusions Viscerocardiac heterotaxy,complete atrioventricular septal defect,univentricle are the most common anomalies detected.Right isomerism cases usually exist with anomalous pulmonary venous connection,juxtaposition of the descending aorta and inferior vena cava as well as right aortic arch.The left isomerism cases usually have interruption of inferior vena cave,heart block and hypoplasia of aorta.     

Primary biliary tract malignant melanoma

Primary melanoma is rarely diagnosed in the biliary tract; only three cases of primary melanoma of the bile ducts have been reported previously. The skin and squamous mucous membranes are the most common primary sites. We report two patients who represent the fourth and fifth reported cases of primary bile duct melanoma. Received: 24 March 1995/Accepted: 3 May 1995     

Embryogenetic malformations of the inferior vena cava, and their manifestations in adults

Five male patients with congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava aged 20 to 43 were examined. The diagnosis and the level of aplasia were established on the basis of complex instrumental examination (duplex scanning of inferior extremity veins, pelvic veins, and retroperitoneal veins; computed and magnetic resonance tomography of the abdominal cavity; pelvic phlebography; retrograde cavagraphy). Together with inferior vena cava anomalies, other malformations such as pulmonary arterial stenosis or duplication of renal collector system were diagnosed in two patients. In three or 60% of the patients the disease had first manifested by the clinical picture of peripheral thrombosis (shin and femoral edema); fever, chill and subsequent edema of both legs had been first manifestations in two patients. Aplasia of the infrarenal segment of the inferior vena cava was revealed in two patients; in other two patients aplasia of the infrarenal, renal, and partly suprarenal segments of this magistral vessel was found; in one patient the whole vein was aplastic except a small part of the suprarenal segment, where the hepatic veins and the right suprapolar renal vein flew into. To establish an early diagnosis of a congenital inferior vena cava anomaly, the protocol of examination of patients with venous diseases should include ultrasound mapping of the suprarenal and infrarenal segments of the vena cava; in cases of agenesia it should include computed and magnetic resonance tomography and retrograde cavagraphy.     

Surgical Interruption of a Left Inferior Vena Cava Following the Transfemoral Implantation of a Permanent Pacing Lead

This report describes the case of a patient in whom, after an unsuccessful attempt through the subclavian vein, a permanent pacing lead was inserted through the femoral vein and a left inferior vena cava with azygos continuation. The procedure was followed 4 months later by a pulmonary embolism complicating a right femoroiliac thrombosis. The patient was successfully treated by a percutaneous lead extraction procedure combined with an inferior vena caval surgical interruption. (PACE 1997; 20[Pt. I]:1365-1366)     

Intrahepatic venous collaterals

Background: The aim of this study was to reevaluate the causes and sites of intrahepatic venous collaterals and to determine the role of color Doppler sonography in the diagnosis of this relatively rare vascular abnormality. Methods: Real-time color Doppler sonography was used to study 21 patients with intrahepatic venous collaterals. The cause, distribution, and clinical manifestations of collaterals were determined, and Doppler waveforms obtained from the collaterals were also analyzed. Results: First, the causes of intrahepatic venous collaterals were divided roughly into two groups according to the presence or absence of veno-occlusions. The former group included liver tumors (six cases), primary Budd-Chiari syndrome (five cases), and metastatic adrenal tumors invading the inferior vena cava (two cases). The latter group consisted of diaphragmatic hernia (three cases), Osler-Weber-Rendu disease (two cases), and congestive liver (one case). The cause was not determined in two cases. Second, venous collaterals were distributed throughout the entire liver in primary Budd-Chiari syndrome but localized in the other cases. Third, Doppler waveforms of the collaterals were divided into two patterns: flat flow and multiphasic flow. Flat flow pattern was seen in patients with veno-occlusive diseases, and multiphasic flow pattern was seen in patients without veno-occlusive disease. Conclusion: The relationship between intrahepatic venous collaterals and veno-occlusive diseases has been emphasized in the literature, but the results of our series showed that they occurred under a wide variety of conditions, even without veno-occlusive diseases, including diaphragmatic hernia and Osler-Weber-Rendu disease. The analysis of the Doppler waveforms of the collaterals was useful in differentiating those due to veno-occlusive diseases and those not. Received: 13 December 1996/Accepted: 22 January 1997