Differential diagnosis

Inferior vena cava

Acoustics

Vena cava

Loudspeaker

Radiology

Diaphragm (acoustics)

Physics

Anatomy

Embryology

Medicine

Pathology

Abdominal Radiology

The inferior vena cava (IVC) is the largest venous conduit below the diaphragm. Although this structure is often overlooked both clinically and radiographically, it can be involved in many different pathologic processes. A thorough understanding of the IVC will assist the radiologist in recognizing anatomic variants, identifying abnormalities, and providing accurate differential diagnoses. In this comprehensive pictorial review of the IVC, we depict embryology behind anatomic variants, present a wide range of pathology with a focus on diagnostic imaging, and describe relevant endovascular interventions.

The inferior vena cava: a pictorial review of embryology, anatomy, pathology, and interventions