Influência do sexo e da idade sobre o diâmetro da cava inferior e implicações para o implante de filtros de veia cava

Abstract

Context: Measuring the venous diameter and choosing a compatible vena cava filter are essential to reduce the risk of complications resulting from the implantation of these devices, however, there is little information on how the diameter of the inferior vena cava varies with sex and age. Objective: To determine the influence of patients gender and age on the inferior vena cava diameter and the suitability of the different filter models available. Methods: Retrospective analytical study based on computed tomography images. The diameter of the inferior vena cava was measured at 3 points (above the confluence of the common iliac veins, below the renal veins and midway between these points) using the Arya® and Carestream PACS® software. The results were classified according to sex and age groups (19-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71- 80 and 81-92 years). Results: CT scans of 417 patients were analyzed: 245 women and 172 men. The diameters at the mid and caudal points were statistically smaller (p<0.05) in older women than in younger women. Similar results were seen in men. The venous diameters at the cranial and caudal points were statistically greater in men than in women among patients aged between 51 and 70 years (p<0.05). Conclusions: The diameter of the inferior vena cava tends to decrease with advancing age in both sexes and the rate of change in diameter is similar between men and women.