Situs inversus with levocardia, infrahepatic interruption of the inferior vena cava, and azygos continuation: a case report

Surg Radiol Anat. 2016 Apr;38(3):369-71. doi: 10.1007/s00276-015-1454-3. Epub 2015 Mar 4.

Abstract

Situs inversus incompletus is a rare congenital condition in which the major abdominal organs are reversed or mirrored from their normal positions. It is often associated with multiple congenital anomalies. We present the case of a 38-year-old woman with dyspnea and a clinical history of chronic kidney disease and kidney transplantation. Echocardiography showed a right atrial mass, and analysis of multidetector computed tomography angiography revealed the interruption of the inferior vena cava with an increase of the azygos vein and azygos continuation. These congenital malformations are often associated with deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary thromboembolism and explained the occurrence of dyspnea. Cardiac magnetic resonance with contrast medium confirmed the presence of the right atrial mass, the characteristics of which were attributed to interatrial thrombus, which was further confirmed by the success of thrombolytic therapy and the remission of symptoms. In conclusion, we described a case of situs inversus with levocardia in association with infrahepatic interruption of the inferior vena cava, and azygos continuation with cardiac thrombus and chronic renal failure.

Keywords: Anatomy; Azygos continuation; Computed tomography; Inferior vena cava; Situs inversus incompletus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Azygos Vein / anatomy & histology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Levocardia / complications*
  • Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / abnormalities*