Thrombectomy and surgical reconstruction for extensive iliocaval thrombosis in a patient with agenesis of the retrohepatic vena cava and atresia of the left renal vein

Abstract

In 80% of the patients presenting with deep-venous thrombosis (DVT), a risk factor can be identified. An absent or hypoplastic infrarenal vena cava is a rare risk factor for DVT in young adults. In these cases, the prevalence of congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is estimated at 0.5% of the general population, up to 5% in young people. The association with coagulopathy increases the risk of DVT. We report a case of a young man who presented with a massive caval and iliofemoral-popliteal thrombosis in presence of the agenesis of retrohepatic inferior vena cava and atresia of the left renal vein. Open thrombectomy and caval reconstruction with a polytetrafluoroethylene graft were performed. Surgical option with vein reconstruction was preferred to prevent new episodes of thrombosis and the risk of acute renal failure.