CT Features of Vertebral Venous Congestion Simulating Sclerotic Metastases in Nine Patients With Thrombosis of the Superior Vena Cava

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this retrospective study is to describe the CT features of vertebral venous congestion simulating sclerotic metastases in nine patients with thrombosis of the superior vena cava. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We analyzed all cases of obstruction of the superior vena cava recorded in our radiologic teaching files since 2006, to identify cases with vertebral venous congestion simulating sclerotic metastases. The following CT features were analyzed: the underlying cause, exact level, and length of the venous obstruction; the pattern of collateral venous pathways visualized as enlarged and densely opacified vascular channels; and the characteristics of the vertebral venous congestion. RESULTS. Nine patients referred for CT examinations between 2006 and 2014 were included in the present study. The pathways that underwent contrast enhancement included the anterior or lateral thoracic pathways in eight patients, the mediastinal pathways in seven patients, and the azygos and vertebral pathways ...