Inferior vena cava thrombosis during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a case report and review of the literature

Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an effective cardiopulmonary support therapy, which can provide temporary cardiopulmonary support for critically ill patients whose condition cannot be reversed by conventional therapy. However, there are many complications in the use of ECMO, such as bleeding, thrombosis, and so on. Among them, inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis which can cause pulmonary embolism is a rare complication, which may be life-threatening. Case presentation A 75-year-old female patient (Han Chinese ethnicity) with acute heart failure due to acute myocardial infarction in our department was retrospectively analyzed. After regular treatment was unsuccessful, she was treated with venoarterial ECMO (VA-ECMO). After her condition improved, she was withdrawn from ECMO and experienced a complication of IVC thrombosis. Enoxaparin was given immediately for 1 mg/kg every 12 hours hypodermic injection. The thrombus disappeared after anticoagulant therapy. She was discharged on the 60th day. Her level of consciousness returned to normal without residual central nervous system-related complications. Conclusions IVC thrombosis is one of the possible serious complications in the process of ECMO therapy. Prevention of thrombosis and optimization of the anticoagulant regimen are the main preventive measures. Anticoagulant therapy is still the main treatment of IVC thrombosis in the process of ECMO therapy. Other interventional strategies need to accumulate clinical experience.

Safety and Efficacy of Rivaroxaban for Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis after Successful Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis

Rivaroxaban use for inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis after successful catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is rarely reported. This study aimed at investigating the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban for IVC thrombosis after CDT. The clinical data on 38 consecutive patients with IVC thrombosis (68% male; mean age, 51.5 ± 16.5), who received rivaroxaban after CDT between July 2017 and January 2020, were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban (bleedings and recurrent venous thromboembolism), cumulative prevalence of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), primary patency, clinically driven target lesion revascularization rate, and other adverse events including all-cause mortality and vascular events (systemic embolism, acute coronary syndrome, ischemic stroke, and transient ischemic attack) were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 38 patients who received rivaroxaban for IVC thrombosis after CDT, 27 (71%) had an anticoagulant duration of 6 months and 11 patients (29%) of more than 6 months. Four patients (10%) suffered recurrent thrombosis. No patient suffered major bleeding, while clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding occurred in two (5%) patients. The cumulative prevalence of PTS was 18% (7/38) during the 12 months follow-up period. Primary patency at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months was 97, 92, 90, and 90%, respectively. According to follow-up data, the clinically driven target lesion revascularization of this study was 10%. Cardiovascular events and mortality did not occur in any patient during the study period. Rivaroxaban for IVC thrombosis after successful CDT can be safe and effective.

Inferior vena cava thrombosis—rope ladder sign

SummaryCongenital heart disease comprises one of the largest groups of congenital defects, affecting approximately 1% of births. Advances in pre- and postoperative critical care treatment as well as surgery and interventional procedures have improved survival rates, but treatment and long-term care of children with complex congenital heart disease remains challenging, and is associated with a number of complications.Here, we report on a 17-month-old infant with congenital univentricular heart disease who devloped post-operatively inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis. IVC thrombosis was confirmed by a bedside contrast media study (X-ray) demonstrating collateral paravertebral circulation along the paravertebral sinuses bilaterally into the azygos and hemiazygos vein (“rope ladder sign“), with no contrast media detected in the IVC. The infant was subsequently started on aspirin and clopidogrel.

Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Testicular Tumour With Metastatic Retroperitoneal Lymphadenopathy Presenting As Severe Backache Due To Ivc Thrombosis

IVC thrombosis is often under-recognized. Malignancy can cause spontaneous IVC thrombosis due to its prothrombotic potential. Malignant tumors can compress, adhere or infiltrate the IVC wall causing endothelial damage with subsequent thrombosis. Retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy can cause compressive distortion of IVC causing venous stasis and turbulent flow. Metastatic retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy from testicular tumor is a rare cause of IVC invasion with resultant IVC thrombosis which can rarely present as backache. High index of suspicion is needed to detect primary testicular tumor in cases of IVC thrombosis, especially in young individuals. A 26 -year old male presented with lower back ache, weight loss and fever. MRI Lumbosacral spine done outside showed a soft tissue signal intensity retroperitoneal mass in aortocaval region compressing IVC. Ultrasound (done outside) revealed mild right sided hydroureteronephrosis secondary to a lobulated heterogeneous mass in inter-aortocaval region encasing right ureter and invading IVC causing thrombosis. Contrast enhanced Computerized axial tomography of abdomen showed a heterogeneously enhancing lobulated mass with multiple internal calcifications, in inter-aortocaval region at L3-4 level invading the IVC causing IVC thrombosis. Both tumor thrombus and bland thrombus were present. The right testis showed a subtle 10x10 mm hypodense lesion with peripheral calcification. DW-MRI showed diffusion restriction in retroperitoneal mass and the IVC tumor thrombus. Possibility of primary testicular tumor with metastatic retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy causing IVC invasion with resultant thrombosis was considered which was confirmed on histopathology examination.

A rare case of arteriovenous fistula formation in a patient with inferior vena cava thrombosis, successfully managed with endovascular recanalisation

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are recommended for patients with proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) who are not eligible for anticoagulation. Long-dwelling filters are well-known to be associated with the development of IVC thrombosis. Chronic caval occlusion can lead to a severe post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), with manifestations of chronic venous insufficiency in the lower extremities. Animal studies have shown that post-thrombotic inflammation can trigger the development of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), however, there is limited evidence for this phenomenon in patients with PTS. We describe the case of a spontaneous AVF in a patient with long-standing IVC thrombosis. It was postulated that the AVF could be compounding the venous hypertension and severe swelling of his lower extremities. The case additionally demonstrates the successful results of endovascular recanalisation for an occluded filter in the presence of an AVF.