Journal of gastroenterology
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Case Reports
Asymptomatic membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava forming intrahepatic collateral pathways.
Intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic collateral pathways result from the membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava. These collaterals are usually insufficient to prevent Budd-Chiari syndrome. ⋯ Although the inferior vena cava terminated above the orifice of the right hepatic vein, the middle and left hepatic veins were patent above the membrane, without narrowing. Blood from the inferior vena cava drained into the right atrium via the intrahepatic collaterals between the right and middle hepatic veins without resistance.