Q26: Congenital malformations of great veins
Q26.0: Congenital stenosis of vena cava
The vena cava are large blood vessels. They collect oxygen-poor blood from the body and carry it back to the heart. There is a superior and inferior vena cava.
A narrowed vena cava means the blood may not be able to flow properly back to the heart, occasionally causing the blood to flow through other blood vessels. Blood vessels may greatly expand as more blood flows through them. You may not have any symptoms with a narrowed vena cava. However, the expanded blood vessels may lead to problems. In some cases, too much fluid also builds up in the tissue before the constriction.
A narrowed vena cava means that too much fluid can build up in the face or arms. It may also cause pain in the throat or chest. In some cases, there is a constant urge to cough or there may be problems with swallowing.
A narrowed inferior vena cava means that too much fluid can build up in the abdomen or legs. The legs may then swell up or hurt. In addition, blood clots sometimes form in the leg veins.
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