Prevalence and predictors of radiological left common iliac vein compression in asymptomatic patients

Abstract

<p>Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of radiological left common iliac vein (LCIV) compression among the asymptomatic population and identify possible predictors. Methods: Contrast-enhanced abdominal and/or pelvic computed tomography scans of eligible asymptomatic patients were examined. The LCIV diameter was measured from different horizontal planes in the venous phase using PACSView. Degree of LCIV compression (D<inf/>) was calculated by a predefined formula and graded as insignificant (D<inf/> &lt; 25%), mild (≥25% D<inf/> &lt; 50%), moderate (≥50% D<inf/> &lt;75%), and severe (D<inf/> ≥ 75%). Venous stenosis was defined as a D<inf/> of ≥50%. Comparison of variables, including gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and comorbidities was performed between the different grades of LCIV compression. Results: Between November 2019 and July 2022, 1698 eligible asymptomatic patients (53.1% females; mean age, 39.3 ± 11.8 years; mean BMI, 22.9 ± 3.6 kg/m<sup/>) were reviewed. The mean D<inf/> was 46.2% (range, 0.29%-90.4%). Insignificant, mild, moderate, and severe compression were distributed in 14.5%, 38.0%, 42.2%, and 5.2% of the cohort population, respectively. Prevalence of venous stenosis was higher in females than males (58.1% vs 42.2%; χ<sup/> = 15.52; P &lt; .001). Females aged ≥25 and &lt;35 years accounted for the highest proportion of venous stenosis than other age groups and was a significant predictor (odds ratio [OR], 3.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.74-7.79; P &lt; .001). In the Asian BMI classification group, being underweight is associated with venous stenosis (OR, 4.69; 95% CI, 2.70-8.14; P &lt; .001) and obesity may be a protective factor (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.23-0.64; P &lt; .001). There is an inverse relationship between D<inf/> and age and BMI. Conclusions: The prevalence of radiological LCIV compression on computed tomography scans was high, but all patients were asymptomatic. Female gender, especially those aged ≥25 and &lt;35 years, and underweight were possible predictors for venous stenosis.</p>