SUPERIOR AND INFERIOR VENAE CAVAE THROMBOSIS WITH POLYCYTHEMIA; REPORT OF A CASE

Abstract

This case was diagnosed clinically as superior and inferior venae cavae obstruction, possibly thrombosis, and secondary polycythemia and splenomegaly, probably due to postoperative wound infection and extensive thrombophlebitis. Autopsy revealed complete occlusion of the superior vena cava by a thrombus extending into the right auricle, right and left innominate veins, right and left internal jugular veins, right and left subclavian veins, azygos vein; the inferior vena cava was also occluded by a thrombus with partial occlusion of the'' left common iliac vein. In addition to the thrombi, microscopic study revealed marked vascular and perivascular infiltration. The autopsy findings confirmed the ante-mortem diagnosis. The etiology of the extensive thromboses was most likely the postoperative phlebitis and vascular and perivascular cellular infiltration. The polycythemia was a physiologic secondary polycythemia due to venous stasis and anoxemia.