An unusual presentation of IVC thrombosis- Low backache

Abstract

Inferior vena cava thrombosis (IVCT) is less common than deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities, particularly in the absence of an obvious congenital abnormality. IVCT is an uncommon and under recognized condition with a variety of clinical presentations [1, 2]. It is associated with a higher risk of complications than other forms of DVT. In the acute setting, PE is a concern, as are renal and hepatic vein thrombosis. Long term patients can suffer from recurrent lower extremity venous thrombosis, continued edema and postphlebitic syndrome. The mortality rate of IVCT is twice as high as that of DVT confined to the lower extremities. Patients having IVCT usually present with swelling of lower limbs, breathlessness in case of PE, distended abdominal veins [3]. Low back ache (LBA) is not an usual clinical presentation for IVCT. In this case report we present a case of IVCT with LBA as an initial presentation.