Inferior Vena Cava Filling Defects on CT and MRI
- 1 September 2005
- journal article
- review article
- Published by American Roentgen Ray Society in American Journal of Roentgenology
- Vol. 185 (3) , 717-726
- https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.185.3.01850717
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to describe the appearance and causes of inferior vena cava (IVC) filling defects, how such findings may be accurately characterized, and the clinical significance of IVC filling defects. Filling defects in the IVC observed at MDCT and MRI may be a result of flow artifacts, anatomic variants, or bland or malignant thrombus.CONCLUSION. Familiarity with anatomy and flow effects is critical for distinguishing true from false filling defects in the IVC. Delayed imaging after administration of IV contrast material and dedicated MRI sequences may be helpful for further characterization of such findings. Once a true filling defect of the IVC is established, identification of the cause, whether benign or malignant, and extent will guide clinical treatment.Keywords
This publication has 8 references indexed in Scilit:
- Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Inferior Vena Caval Thrombus Associated with Metastasis to the KidneyJournal of Computer Assisted Tomography, 2004
- Renal Angiomyolipoma Associated with Rapid Enlargment and Inferior Vena Caval Tumor ThrombusJournal of Urology, 2003
- Abdominal Thrombotic and Ischemic Manifestations of the Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome: CT Findings in 42 PatientsRadiology, 2001
- Inferior Vena Caval Filters: Review of a 26-year Single-Center Clinical ExperienceRadiology, 2000
- Convergent flow phenomenon mimics the appearance of venous thrombosis in gradient-echo images with or without the presence of a contrast agentMagnetic Resonance Imaging, 1997
- Pericaval fat collection that mimics thrombosis of the inferior vena cava: demonstration with use of multi-directional reformation CT.Radiology, 1997
- Involvement of the inferior vena cava by adrenal phaeochromocytoma--MRI findings.The British Journal of Radiology, 1997
- Obstruction of the inferior vena cava: a multiple-modality demonstration of causes, manifestations, and collateral pathways.RadioGraphics, 1992