Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis

Systemic Risk Factors

The European Heart Journal reports that acquired thrombophilias, such as antiphospholipid syndrome, are a risk factor for inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis 1
Pregnancy and postpartum state are also risk factors for IVC thrombosis, as reported by the European Heart Journal 2
Hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy increase the risk of IVC thrombosis, according to the European Heart Journal 2, 3
Malignant diseases are associated with an increased risk of IVC thrombosis, with 10% of patients with idiopathic venous thromboembolism developing cancer later, as reported by the European Heart Journal and the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 2, 4

Compression by solid tumors or cysts is a local risk factor for IVC thrombosis, as reported by the Journal of Hepatology 1
Membranous obstruction of the IVC, particularly in Asian countries, is a local risk factor for IVC thrombosis, according to the Journal of Hepatology 1
Abdominal operations and infections are also local risk factors for IVC thrombosis, as reported by the European Heart Journal and the Journal of Hepatology 1, 2
Behçet's disease, particularly in Asia, is a local risk factor for IVC thrombosis, according to the Journal of Hepatology 1

The Journal of Hepatology reports that asymptomatic course is possible in up to 20% of cases, particularly with large collaterals 5
Farbdoppler-Sonographie with specific features, such as large hepatic vein with absent flow signal or reversed/turbulent flow, is used for initial diagnosis, as reported by Hepatology 5
Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) with spin-echo and gradient-echo sequences and intravenous gadolinium injection is an optimal non-invasive imaging procedure, according to Hepatology 5
Computertomographie (CT) with contrast medium and characteristic perfusion pattern is also used for diagnosis, as reported by Hepatology 5
Venographie is the gold standard for diagnosis, according to Hepatology 5

The Journal of Hepatology reports that thrombophilia screening, including antithrombin deficiency, protein C and S deficiency, and factor V Leiden mutation, is necessary for etiology clarification 1
Tumor search, including careful anamnese and physical examination, routine tests, and further investigations if clinically suspected, is also necessary, as reported by the European Heart Journal 2
Exclusion of local causes, including compression by tumors or cysts, membranous obstruction of the IVC, and presence of an IVC filter, is necessary, according to the Journal of Hepatology 1