Inferior Vena Cava Aneurysm With Hemothorax: Rare Presentation

Abstract

We presented a case of hemothorax secondary to inferior vena cava (IVC) aneurysm. A 47-year-old woman was presented to our hospital with nausea, vomiting, and right superior abdominal pain. There was pleural effusion on the right side of the posteroanterior chest x-ray for which a thoracentesis was performed and serohemorrhagic fluid was determined. Biochemical tests showed a mixed transudate and hemorrhage (hemothorax). Cytology was negative for malignancy. Computed tomography revealed a right-sided pleural effusion and a suprahepatic mass that was neighboring IVC and right atrium. Suprahepatic IVC aneurysm without venous obstruction was shown by magnetic resonance imaging and angiography. Mass was explored with right thoracotomy through sixth intercostal space, and the aneurysmal mass was seen and dissected from neighboring tissues. The mass was discrete and directly related to IVC just above the right hepatic vein entrance. After the excision of the aneurysm, the IVC wall was repaired. Histopathologic examination confirmed our diagnosis as venous aneurysm. The patient was discharged without any complication on the sixth postoperative day.