Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava: Angiographic and computed tomography findings

Leiomyosarcoma, a highly malignant tumor of the inferior vena cava, is rare. Only 55 cases have been reported in the world literature, and of these only 18 were evaluated with a special vascular procedure, either arteriography or inferior vena cavography. In two cases of leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava, we performed arteriography and inferior vena cavography. In one, computed tomographic studies were also carried out. Cavography showed a lobulated filling defect in one case and complete caval occlusion with collateral circulation in the other. In the one case in which it was performed, computed tomography clearly demonstrated the tumor's size and its relationship to surrounding organs. Arteriographic studies, however, allowed only an indistinct delineation of the extent of tumor growth in one case. Venography followed by computed tomography should permit adequate assessment of most leiomyosarcomas of the inferior vena cava, with arteriography reserved for tumors involving the upper cava in which hepatic involvement must be evaluated.