Prenatal diagnosis and outcome of isolated interrupted inferior vena cava

Abstract

Objective: Report our experience in prenatal diagnosis of 11 cases of interrupted inferior vena cava, summarize the clinical significance and implications of this variant.

Study design: Retrospective analysis of 11 fetuses diagnosed with interrupted inferior vena cava, of 55,457 pregnant women who underwent extensive fetal anomaly scan during 20 years.

Results: Eight of the 11 fetuses with interrupted inferior vena cava had a completely normal outcome. One had also normal outcome but abnormal function of the spleen. One had multiple abnormalities, and 1 case was lost to follow up.

Conclusion: The incidence of IIVC is 1:5000. In the vast majority (90%) of the cases, it is an isolated variant not associated with isomerism or fetal anomalies. In all the cases of isolated interrupted inferior vena cava, the outcome is favorable. In 10% of isolated interrupted inferior vena cava, abnormal function of the spleen may be detected after delivery, necessitating antipneumococcal vaccination.