A LARGE EMBOLUS TRAPPED BY AN INFERIOR VENA-CAVA FILTER - A CASE-REPORT SUPPORTING INFERIOR VENA-CAVA FILTER INSERTION

We describe a patient with a deep vein thrombosis causing multiple pul monary emboli. After inferior vena cava filter insertion, a large embo lus was trapped by the filter. Anticoagulation following filter insert ion decreased the pulmonary artery pressure, and there was no recurren ce of pulmonary embolization. Thus, in the presence of large, multiple thrombi in the proximal veins, inferior vena cava filter had better b e inserted before thrombolytic treatment to prevent a lethal pulmonary embolism, and anticoagulant therapy is important after filter inserti on. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.