Inferior Vena Cava Compression Caused by Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Objective: To report two cases of inferior vena cava (IVC) and iliac vein thrombosis secondary to expansive and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. Design: Case report. Setting: Angiology and Vascular Surgery Unit, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain. Patients: Patients with clinical and radiological evidence of IVC and iliac vein thrombosis secondary to a sealed rupture from expanding aortic aneurysms. Interventions: Surgical repair in one case and conservative management in the second case. Conclusions: Venous compression was relieved, avoiding the risk associated with anticoagulant therapy in the presence of an aortic aneurysm. Ultrasound scanning is useful in assessing deep venous thrombosis and detecting compressive masses such as aortic and iliac aneurysms. Inappropriate management of patients with venous obstruction from undiagnosed arterial aneurysms may cause serious complications.