Keywords : Inferior Vena Cava(IVC) , Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT), Pulmonary Embolism (PE).
Key Clinical Message : Congenital absence of Inferior Vena cava is a rare anomaly . As the case for other congenital anomalies , it should be suspected at all ages in any patient who presents with recurrent complications of venous stagnation such as PE and recurrent DVTs . Key Clinical findings are : recurrent DVT and/or PE , Stigmata of Venous engorgement as a result of development/enlargement of collateral veins . Background : Congenital absence of Inferior Vena Cava ( CAIVC ) is a rare anomaly in which the lower-body venous return is impaired . There is usually engorgement of other veins especially Azygos and Hemiazygos systems .Ethical Clearance : A full Informed consent was taken from the patient . Permission was taken from the patient for publication .Case summary : a 47 year-old man presented who was successful treated for PE . Later discovered to have left sided venous engorgement in the abdomen and left lower limb . He was later discovered to have congenital absence of inferior vena cava and was prepared for further investigations including venography and coagulation profile .