# Clinical Implications of a Missing Hepatic Segment of the Inferior Vena Cava: A Case Report

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare vascular anomaly in a patient with situs inversus and cholangiocarcinoma, emphasizing the importance of understanding IVC embryology for proper diagnosis and treatment.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in highlighting the clinical implications of a missing hepatic IVC segment in a patient with situs inversus and cancer.

## Key findings

- The patient had situs inversus and an interrupted IVC with continuation to the azygos vein.
- Understanding IVC embryology is essential for managing such rare vascular anomalies.
- Preoperative awareness is critical to avoid complications in patients with IVC anomalies.

## Abstract

Anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are often discovered incidentally, yet they pose significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. This study discusses a case of a 50-year-old female with situs inversus and well-differentiated cholangiocarcinoma, emphasizing the rarity and complexity involved. Imaging studies confirmed the presence of dextrocardia, abdominal situs inversus, and an interrupted IVC with continuation to the azygos vein. A thorough understanding of IVC embryology is crucial, as it helps explain the pathogenesis of such anomalies, which arise from disturbances in the embryonic venous system leading to various anatomical variations. Managing an interrupted IVC is critical due to the potential for vascular complications, highlighting the need for preoperative awareness. This study underlines the importance of recognizing and properly managing these rare vascular anomalies to improve patient care.