Clinical profile, surgical management, and outcome of inferior vena cava tumors- A single-team experience

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted to study the presentation, clinical profile, and early surgical outcome of patients with primary tumors affecting the inferior vena cava (IVC).

Aims and Objective: To understand and improve the management of these rare, often aggressive, tumors. To determine the best surgical approaches, evaluate the impact of reconstruction on outcomes.

Materials and Methods: Surgical treatment for primary IVC tumors was assessed using both clinical and radiological evaluations of diagnosed patients. A total of nine patients were included in the study. The evaluation process comprised a detailed medical history, physical examination, chest X-rays, ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis with color Doppler imaging, contrast-enhanced computed tomography with computed tomography venography, magnetic resonance venography, two-dimensional echocardiography, and urinary catecholamine level assessment. All patients underwent a pre-anesthetic checkup and clearance.

Results: The study cohort included nine patients, of whom six were women (66.6%) and three were men (33.3%), with a mean age of 52±9.2 years. The tumor locations were classified as supra-hepatic (22.2%), infra-hepatic suprarenal (22.2%), and infra-hepatic infrarenal (55.5%). There were no surgery-related morbidities or mortalities. Two patients diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma and metastatic para-caval lymph nodes were referred for adjuvant radiotherapy. All patients remain under follow-up and are in good health.

Conclusion: Primary tumors of the IVC are extremely rare and originate from the smooth muscle of the vascular walls. Surgical resection remains the only definitive and potentially curative treatment option available.