[Congenital anomaly of the inferior vena cava with hemiazygos continuation. Ultrasonic diagnosis]

Abstract

Congenital anomaly of the inferior vena cava with hemiazygos continuation: ultrasonic diagnosis. We report a case of agenesis of the retro-hepatic segment of the inferior vena cava in an asymptomatic 18 year old woman, found on a routine chest-ray. This rare illness was suspected on the findings of conventional radiology and was assessed by ultrasonography that shows direct termination of hepatic veins in the right auricle, and the hemi-azygos vein behind the aorta. Our radiological and ultrasonographic findings are confirmed by the literature. In the absence of any clinical signs, CT-scan and MR Imaging were note used in investigations. Nevertheless their usefulness has been extensively reported by many authors. Cavography remains useful before surgery.