External iliac vein aneurysm: a case report and review of the literature Open Access

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Iliac vein aneurysms are extremely rare, even amongst vein aneurysms. We discuss the case of an external iliac vein (EIV) aneurysm, likely secondary to iatrogenic vascular trauma in the neonatal period.

CASE REPORT

A 26-year-old man was referred to our vascular surgery tertiary referral service from his local hospital with leg size discrepancy (right > left) and prominent right leg varicose veins distally. He had lower urinary tract symptoms (frequency >30 times per day) for a year prior to presentation but had no leg symptoms in relation to his varicosities. His past medical history was of premature birth, as one of triplets, who spent a prolonged period on a neonatal intensive care unit. The patient thought he may have had a deep vein thrombosis in his right leg as a child. An MRI of his right thigh and pelvis demonstrated a 5 cm venous aneurysm (EIV), indenting the bladder, and generalized distal venous dilatation of both deep and superficial veins. He subsequently underwent venography, which confirmed an aneurysmal EIV, with massive collateral dilatation of trans-pelvic veins and complete occlusion of the right common femoral vein (CFV). A concurrent attempt at endovenous stenting was made, but was unsuccessful as the CFV could not be passed with a guide-wire and no alternate route was found possible. Further characterization by CT demonstrated a dilated and tortuous right internal iliac vein (IIV) feeding the aneurysm (Fig. 1). A multidisciplinary decision was made to proceed to operative repair, in light of the patient’s debilitating urinary frequency from the mass effect of the aneurysm. Pre-intervention venous severity scoring was not pursued as the patient’s symptoms were only bladder-related. The patient underwent an open aneurysmectomy via a Rutherford-Morrison incision, with concurrent right retrograde ureteric stent placement. Intra-operatively, a wide-necked aneurysm was confirmed to arise from the EIV (Fig. 2) in a saccular fashion. The aneurysm was clamped at the neck and closed with 3-0 Prolene (Ethicon, Inc., New Jersey, USA) leaving a normal calibre EIV (Figs 3 and 4). The IIV remained patent at the end of the procedure and a venous bypass was not performed. The patient recovered well post-operatively and was discharged home four days later, with removal of the ureteric stent prior to discharge. He has been followed up 6-monthly since and remains well at 2 years’ post-operatively. CT venogram has shown a good post-operative result, with no residual aneurysm (Fig. 5). The patient’s pre-operative lower urinary tract symptoms have improved. He did not develop any leg symptoms.

Figure 1:

CT scan demonstrating right iliac vein aneurysm (5.7 cm) (red arrow) compressing the patient’s full bladder.

Open in new tabDownload slide

Figure 2:

Intra-operative appearance of the external iliac vein aneurysm. A retroperitoneal approach was used via a Rutherford-Morrison incision. Laterally, the external iliac artery is controlled with a vessel loop.

Open in new tabDownload slide

Figure 3:

Clamped external iliac vein aneurysm.

Open in new tabDownload slide

Figure 4:

Intra-operative appearance post aneurysmectomy.

Open in new tabDownload slide

Figure 5:

Post-operative CT scan demonstrating no evidence of residual aneurysm, or bladder compression. A residual dilated and tortuous collateral vessel remains communicating between the right internal iliac vein and right common femoral vein (red arrow).

Open in new tabDownload slide

DISCUSSION

Vein aneurysms may be defined as solitary venous dilatations that communicate with a main venous structure, without contemporaneous arteriovenous fistulae [1]. Iliac vein aneurysms are extremely rare, even amongst vein aneurysms. Approximately 40 iliac territory venous aneurysms have been described in the existing literature. Zou et al. [2] performed a review of these up to 2011. We present a review of nine new cases in the literature that have been published since 2011 (Table 1). A systematic PubMed search was performed to identify these, using the search terms: iliac; vein; venous; aneurysm; external; internal in various combinations. All relevant articles written in English were reviewed.

Iliac vein aneurysms may be primary or secondary, in association with previous trauma or vascular malformation syndromes, e.g. Parkes-Weber [3]. In this case, the iliac vein aneurysm was secondary and most likely developed as a result of iatrogenic vascular trauma (multiple femoral central venous catheters) in the neonatal period. Iliac vein aneurysms can be difficult to diagnose and the differential may include groin hernias or lymphadenopathy. They are often asymptomatic, but may present with thomboembolism or, rarely, abdominal pain. This is the first reported case of an iliac vein aneurysm presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms. Investigations of choice include CT (venous phase), real-time venography and MRI. All three were used in the case presented.

Complications associated with iliac vein aneurysms include rupture [4] and thromboembolism. Primarily to prevent thromboembolism, operative management has been hitherto recommended. Operative strategies include excision, with or without interposition grafting, or tangential excision—as in the case we present here—with or without patch repair, if residual vessel calibre or wall fragility is a concern. Hosaka et al. [5] used a dual saphenous vein patch in their operative technique. Endovenous strategies of both stent grafting and embolisation have also been employed with success [1, 6]. Javaraj et al. [7] also performed a successful hybrid procedure in 2012.

The rarity of vein aneurysms, together with the heterogeneity of presentation, investigation and management make it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions regarding their optimal treatment. This case is the first reported of an EIV aneurysm presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms, due to a compressive effect on the bladder.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

None declared.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

None declared.

REFERENCES