Chronic leg ulceration caused by an absent inferior vena cava in a 52-year-old man: A case report from Nakuru, Kenya

Abstract

Chronic leg ulcers adversely affect quality of life and are associated with a substantial economic burden. The congenital absence of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare cause of these ulcers. This case report details a 52-year-old male patient from Kenya who had bilateral chronic leg ulcers. Despite undergoing venous stripping and contralateral ligation of perforators, his condition did not significantly improve. Further investigation revealed the absence of an IVC. His management included the use of compression devices, wound care, and wound coverage with skin grafting. Following this treatment, his ulcers healed satisfactorily, and he continues to use compression devices.

The absence of risk factors for common causes, bilateral presentation of the ulcer, and the presence of prominent veins on the anterior abdominal wall should prompt clinicians to consider an absent IVC. An appropriate management strategy for ulcers resulting from an absent IVC consists of wound care, the use of compression devices, and wound coverage.