Inferior vena cava dissection following blunt abdominal trauma

Abstract

Dissection of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is rare, with only a few published reports in the literature. It is usually associated with blunt abdominal injury or iatrogenic injury from a catheter manipulation. Venous dissections are rare due to lack of well-developed layers in the walls (intima, media and adventitia), low pressure in the venous system, and the absence of atherosclerotic changes. However, IVC dissection is associated with a high mortality rate due to the difficulty in diagnosis, technically difficult surgical repair, and associated solid organ injuries. We report a case of IVC dissection from a low-speed motor vehicle collision and discuss its imaging features.