Infrahepatic interruption of the inferior vena cava with azygos continuation: a potential mimicker of aortic pathology

J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 1998 Nov;11(11):1078-83. doi: 10.1016/s0894-7317(98)70160-9.

Abstract

Infrahepatic interruption of the inferior vena cava (IVC) with azygos or hemiazygos continuation is a rare finding. In this anatomic entity, the intrahepatic segment of the IVC is absent, and the hepatic veins empty directly into the right atrium. Venous blood flow from the lower body is directed from the IVC into the azygos system at the level of the renal veins, with resultant dilation of the azygos and/or hemiazygos veins. Because these enlarged vessels lie parallel to the descending thoracic aorta, they may be mistaken for aortic pathology (dissection, aneurysm, or rupture) during transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). We describe a case of azygos continuation of the IVC initially misdiagnosed by TEE as partial aortic rupture. Repeat TEE with intravenous agitated saline injection correctly identified the condition, and the echocardiographic features are described.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aorta, Thoracic
  • Aortic Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Azygos Vein / abnormalities*
  • Azygos Vein / diagnostic imaging*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / abnormalities*
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / diagnostic imaging*