Rare abdominal vascular diseases

Abstract

Background: Abdominal vessels are generally examined using conventional ultrasound. These vascular disorders can be incidentally found when echocardiography and lower extremity vascular echography are performed. The present review focused on relatively rare abdominal vascular diseases. Abdominal veins: Persistent left inferior vena cava (IVC) and/or absence of right IVC can be observed as a venous anomaly. Intravenous structures in the IVC may be complicated in malignancy, and need to be differentiated from thrombosis. Portal vein thrombosis may be complicated with inflammatory diseases. Left renal vein stenosis between the superior mesenteric artery and abdominal aorta is known as the nutcracker sign. Abdominal arteries: Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm and retroperitoneal fibrosis have received attention as IgG4-related disorders. Localized arterial dissection may sometimes be observed in the superior mesenteric artery. Conclusions: Simultaneous examination of abdominal vessels with conventional echocardiography and lower vascular echography can reveal asymptomatic or symptomatic abdominal vascular disorders.