Aneurysm of the inferior vena cava

Case contributed by Domenico Nicoletti
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Incidental finding.

Patient Data

Age: 70 years
Gender: Female

There is a round opacity at the right cardiophrenic region.

There is aneurysmal dilatation of the suprahepatic segment of the inferior vena cava (IVC).

Case Discussion

This case demonstrates a type I IVC aneurysm (Gradman and Steinburg classification). Most of these IVC aneurysms are idiopathic. Some are congenital, while others are caused by trauma or arteriovenous fistulae. The suprahepatic variant of these aneurysms is usually discovered as an incidental mass in the lower mediastinum, just behind the heart.

Patients are usually asymptomatic, but occasionally an aneurysm may be the site of thrombus formation.

Case courtesy: Prof. Fabio Denicolò

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.