Inferior vena cava syndrome

Inferior Vena Cava Syndrome

Inferior vena cava syndrome (pronunciation: in-ˈfir-ē-ər ˈvē-nə ˈka-və sin-ˈdrōm) is a medical condition characterized by the partial or complete obstruction of the inferior vena cava, the large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart.

Etymology

The term "inferior vena cava" is derived from Latin, where "vena" means vein, "cava" means hollow, and "inferior" refers to its position in the lower part of the body. The term "syndrome" is derived from the Greek "σύνδρομον" (sýndromon), meaning "concurrence of symptoms" or "concurrence of events".

Symptoms

Symptoms of inferior vena cava syndrome may include abdominal pain, lower extremity edema, and dyspnea. In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as pulmonary embolism.

Causes

The syndrome can be caused by a variety of conditions that result in compression or obstruction of the inferior vena cava, including malignant tumors, thrombosis, and trauma.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of inferior vena cava syndrome typically involves imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Treatment

Treatment options for inferior vena cava syndrome depend on the underlying cause and may include anticoagulation therapy, thrombolytic therapy, surgery, or stent placement in the inferior vena cava.

Related Terms

• Superior vena cava syndrome
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Pulmonary embolism
• Edema
• Dyspnea

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Inferior vena cava syndrome
• Wikipedia's article - Inferior vena cava syndrome

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