The Inferior Vena Cava Syndrome (IVCS) is associated with a number of clinical findings associated with an obstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC).
Obstruction may be:
(1) below the level of the renal veins
(2) below the liver
(3) within the liver (intrahepatic)
(4) between the liver and the right atrium
Clinical findings may include:
(1) abdominal pain
(2) ascites
(3) anasarca of the lower extremities and genitalia (scrotum in males)
(4) collateral venous circulation
(5) renal dysfunction
Obstruction within the liver is associated with the Budd-Chiari syndrome and/or hepatomegaly.
Diagnosis is confirmed by demonstrating occlusion of the inferior vena cava on an imaging study.
Complications:
(1) intestinal perforation (secondary to infarction of the intestinal wall)
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