Unusual Collateral Vein Circulation and Vena Cava Aplasia

Abstract

An unusual case of an extensive collateral circulation through a dilated superficial abdominal vein was found from the left femoral vein to the left axillary vein in a 23-year-old man (Picture 1). His medical history included a post-natal thrombosis of the left common femoral vein during a central venous catheterization procedure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen with gadolinium contrast enhancement examination was performed (1). An aplasia of both iliac veins and inferior vena cava was diagnosed (Picture 2) (2). Blood return from the lower extremities was seen through an enlarged subcutaneous abdominal wall vein [(white arrows) Picture 3a, b, 4] on the left side and en-