[X-ray computed tomography in congenital and acquired anomalies of the inferior vena cava]

Abstract

The inferior vena cava (IVC) is a retroperitoneal key organ whose location and integrity must be checked in every scan. Computerized tomography (CT) of IVC provides interesting diagnostic elements which are complementary to the angiographic study: congenital abnormalities, even if they scarcely occur, are nevertheless important to detect, in order to prevent any mistake in the interpretation of the scan. Acquired abnormalities, are frequent. Today CT seems to be the most accurate method of exploration of neoplastic involvement in primary IVC tumors or external compression by retroperitoneal fibrosis. It is a non traumatic method allowing the visualization of the head of a caval thrombus inprecisely defined by phlebo-cavography. To summarize, a good scanning knowledge of the IVC and its abnormalities appears necessary, either to prevent any mistaken interpretation or to specify a pathological element with regard to a vascular exploration.