Inferior vena cava syndrome

Inferior vena cava syndrome
Classification and external resources
Specialty cardiology
ICD-10 I87.1
eMedicine emerg/2718

Inferior vena cava syndrome (IVCS) is a result of obstruction of the inferior vena cava. It can be caused by invasion or compression by a pathological process or by thrombosis in the vein itself. It can also occur during pregnancy.Pregnancy can lead to problems with blood return due to high venous pressure in the lower limbs, failure of blood return to the heart, decreased cardiac output due to obstructions in inferior vena cava, sudden rise in venous pressure which can lead to placental separation, and a decrease in renal function. All of these issues can arise from lying in the supine position during late pregnancy which can cause compression of the inferior vena cava.[1] Symptoms of late pregnancy inferior vena cava syndrome consist of intense pain in the right hand side, muscle twitching, drop of blood pressure, and fluid retention.[2]

Frequency

Epidemiological data is elusive owing to the wide variety of clinical presentation. In the U.S., incidence is estimated to be at 510 cases per 100,000 per year. Minor compression of the inferior vena cava during pregnancy is a relatively common occurrence. It is seen most prevalently when women lie on their back or right side.[3] 90% of women lying in the supine position during pregnancy experience inferior vena cava syndrome; however, not all of the women display symptoms.[4]

Causes

Symptoms

IVCS presents with a wide variety of signs and symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose clinically.

References

  1. D.B. Scott and M.G. Kerr (1963). "Inferior vena cave pressure in late pregnancy". BJOG 1: 1044–1049. doi:10.1111/j.1471-0528.1963.tb15051.x. PMID 14100067.
  2. B. Howard, J. Goodson, and W. Mengert (1953). "Supine hypotensive syndrome in late pregnancy". Obstetrics and Gynecology 1: 371–377. PMID 13055188.
  3. M.G. Kerr, D.B. Scott, and Eric Samuel (1964). "Studies of the inferior vena cava in late pregnancy". British Medical Journal 1: 532–533. doi:10.1136/bmj.1.5382.522. PMID 14101999.
  4. M.G. Kerr, D.B. Scott, and Eric Samuel (1964). "Studies of the inferior vena cava in late pregnancy". British Medical Journal 1: 532–533. doi:10.1136/bmj.1.5382.522. PMID 14101999.
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