# The Missing Vein: A Case of Inferior Vena Cava Agenesis Presenting With Venous Thromboembolism

**Authors:** Antony Kimani, Wandera M Carey, Rajiv Patel, Soraiya Manji, Alok Iyer, Zamanali Khakhar, Sayed K Ali

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.86897 · Cureus · 2025-06-27

## TL;DR

A rare case of missing inferior vena cava caused a blood clot in a young man without typical risk factors.

## Contribution

Highlights IVC agenesis as a possible cause of thromboembolism in young patients.

## Key findings

- IVC agenesis can present as deep vein thrombosis in young individuals.
- The condition is often overlooked due to its rarity and lack of traditional risk factors.

## Abstract

Agenesis of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare congenital anomaly that is frequently identified incidentally in patients presenting with venous thromboembolism. The IVC is susceptible to a wide range of congenital anomalies. Due to its rarity and infrequent clinical encounters, it is often overlooked. We describe the case of a young man of African descent who presented with a deep vein thrombosis due to a previously unrecognized diagnosis of IVC agenesis. This case sheds light on IVC agenesis as an alternative diagnosis, especially in younger patients without traditional risk factors for venous thromboembolism.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** venous thromboembolism (MONDO:0005399)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** congenital anomalies (MESH:D000013), IVC (MESH:C563013), deep vein thrombosis (MESH:D020246), Venous Thromboembolism (MESH:D054556)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12301704/full.md

## References

14 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12301704/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12301704