‘IVC contrast level: a sign of cardiovascular dysfunction’

Abstract Contrast blood level in intrahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) on arterial contrast-enhanced CT images is referred to as IVC layering or IVC contrast level sign. This sign is important to recognize as it has dismal prognosis and requires immediate attention. The causes described in literature include cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest and cardiac tamponade. We hereby present three cases depicting IVC contrast level sign.