Abstract

Background: Benign external compression of the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) with distal thrombus formation is seldomly described in the medical literature.

Case Presentations: We report a case of external IVC compression by a dilated right renal pelvis and hydronephrotic kidney secondary to longstanding Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ) obstruction found in a 68-year-old male. Management included therapeutic anticoagulation, IVC filter placement, attempted thrombectomy by interventional radiology, and interval repeats imaging. This patient demonstrated complete resolution of the caval thrombus on repeat imaging 2 months following discharge. This case highlights the importance of interdisciplinary team coordination, a crucial component of patient’s management and eventual treatment plan. It is reasonable to manage patients with IVC thrombus with anticoagulation alone.

Conclusion: In the modern era, angiointerventional techniques provide minimally invasive approaches to the management of vascular disorders and minimize morbidity.

Keywords: Inferior vena cava, thrombosis, hydronephrosis, ureteral obstruction, anticoagulation, radiology.