[Deep venous thrombosis as a complication of congenital absence of vena cava inferior].

A 19-year-old man was admitted with fever, haematuria, general malaise, pain on the left side of the pelvis and a full feeling in the left lower abdominal quadrant of the abdomen. His history mentioned a varices operation. During admission he developed an acute abdomen and deep vein thrombosis in both legs. CT of the abdomen showed a pathologic mass and absence of the vena cava inferior. Laparotomy revealed extensive thrombosis in widened veins. Clinical improvement occurred following adequate thrombolysis. Congenital absence of the vena cava inferior results from aberrant development during organogenesis. Patients are typically asymptomatic, but may present with venous insufficiency at a young age and deep vein thrombosis. Absence of the vena cava inferior can be accompanied by other congenital abnormalities such as dextrocardia and congenital heart diseases. Diagnosis is made using CT or MRI. Treatment consists of lifelong anticoagulant therapy and, if necessary, surgery.