Vertebral Venous Collaterals with Underlying Agenesis of the Inferior Vena Cava: Implications for Spinal Surgery

Abstract

Background: Congenital agenesis of the inferior vena cava (IVC) can lead to the development of a prominent venous collateral system within and around the spine due to the development of venous collaterals. In such patients, surgery can carry a risk of catastrophic bleeding or decompensation of a delicate venous drainage pattern during spinal manipulation or even epidural exploration.

Case description: A 49-year-old man with a congenital agenesis of the IVC presented with signs and symptoms of an L5 radiculopathy. A computed tomography scan of the lumbar spine showed the characteristic finding of fenestrated or "holey" pedicles within the lumbar spine, due to chronic venous engorgement within the pedicles.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the characteristic sign of "holey" pedicles on radiographic imaging in a patient with an underdeveloped IVC. This finding may be useful for the detection of abnormal spinal venous anatomy. In such patients, spinal surgery may carry greater risks and requires special consideration.

Keywords: Agenesis of the inferior vena cava; Collateral venous circulation; Spinal epidural venous plexus.