Inferior Vena Cava Thrombus Secondary to Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction with Severe Hydronephrosis

Curr Med Imaging. 2022;18(3):353-356. doi: 10.2174/1573405617666210623152051.

Abstract

Background: Benign external compression of the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) with distal thrombus formation is seldomly described in the medical literature.

Case presentations: We report a case of external IVC compression by a dilated right renal pelvis and hydronephrotic kidney secondary to longstanding Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ) obstruction found in a 68-year-old male. Management included therapeutic anticoagulation, IVC filter placement, attempted thrombectomy by interventional radiology, and interval repeats imaging. This patient demonstrated complete resolution of the caval thrombus on repeat imaging 2 months following discharge. This case highlights the importance of interdisciplinary team coordination, a crucial component of patient's management and eventual treatment plan. It is reasonable to manage patients with IVC thrombus with anticoagulation alone.

Conclusion: In the modern era, angiointerventional techniques provide minimally invasive approaches to the management of vascular disorders and minimize morbidity.

Keywords: Inferior vena cava; anticoagulation; hydronephrosis; radiology; thrombosis; ureteral obstruction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydronephrosis* / complications
  • Hydronephrosis* / etiology
  • Male
  • Thrombosis* / complications
  • Thrombosis* / drug therapy
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / diagnostic imaging
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / surgery
  • Venous Thrombosis* / complications
  • Venous Thrombosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Venous Thrombosis* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anticoagulants