# Neuropathy in a Patient With Congenital Absence of the Inferior Vena Cava

## TL;DR

A 31-year-old man with a rare birth defect in his vein experienced leg pain due to nerve issues, which improved with lifestyle changes.

## Contribution

Highlights a rare case linking congenital vein absence to neuropathic pain and successful management with non-invasive care.

## Key findings

- AIVC was not the direct cause of the patient's neuropathic pain.
- Lifestyle modifications like reduced activity and leg elevation alleviated symptoms.
- Early recognition of AIVC helped avoid unnecessary invasive procedures.

## Abstract

Neuropathic pain is a frequent complaint in the neurology clinic. We present a case of a 31-year-old male with congenital absence of the inferior vena cava (AIVC) resulting in venous hypertension who complained of lower extremity pain interfering with his daily activities. His AIVC was thought to be incidental rather than causative of his pain complaints. His examination was consistent with peripheral neuropathy. Simple lifestyle adaptations, such as restriction of physical activity and leg elevation, were sufficient to relieve his symptoms. Recognition of the role of AIVC may have prevented additional invasive procedures in our patient.