National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Double inferior vena cava

Not a rare disease Not a rare disease
Other Names:
Double IVC
Categories:
Double inferior vena cava is a vein abnormality that is present from birth (congenital). Individuals with this anomaly have two inferior vena cavas instead of one. The inferior vena cava carries oxygen-poor blood from the lower parts of the body into the heart. Double inferior vena cava does not cause any symptoms. It is usually diagnosed when an imaging test, such as CT or MRI, is performed for other medical reasons. The reported incidence of double inferior vena cava ranges from 0.2 percent to 3 percent.[1][2]
Last updated: 3/9/2017
Double inferior vena cava does not have a specified treatment, as this condition does not cause any clinical symptoms. Individuals with a double inferior vena cava who need surgery for other medical reasons may be treated more cautiously or in a different manner to prevent injury to the additional inferior vena cava.[1] Treatment may also differ for people who develop a blood clot and need an inferior vena cava filter to prevent a pulmonary embolism.[3] In these cases, a person with double inferior vena cava usually requires the placement of two filters, one in each vein.[1][2]
Last updated: 3/9/2017

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In-Depth Information

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  1. Ng WT, Ng SS. Double inferior vena cava: a report of three cases. Singapore Medical Journal. June 2009; 50(6):e211-213. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19551299.
  2. Shammas NW, Rachwan RJ, Daher G, Bou Dargham B. Double Inferior Vena Cava and its Implications During Endovascular and Surgical Interventions: A Word of Caution. J Invasive Cardiology. February 2017; 29(2):51-53. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28145872.
  3. Mano A, Tatsumi T, Sakai H, Imoto Y, Nomura T, Nishikawa S, Takeda M, Kobara M, Yamagami T, Matsubara H. A case of deep venous thrombosis with a double inferior vena cava effectively treated by suprarenal filter implantation. Japanese Heart Journal. November 2004; 45:1063-1069. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15655283.