A Case of Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Thrombus Caused by Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Abstract

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a complication of several diseases. However, DVT caused by infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is rare. Here we describe the successful management of such a case. A 62-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with swelling of the lower extremities. Contrast computed tomography scan of the abdomen and lower limbs showed a 73-mm infra-renal AAA and thrombotic occlusion of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and veins of lower limb. Prior to the operation, an IVC filter was placed in the IVC above the renal vein in order to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE). Among the surgical findings, there was severe adhesion around the AAA. Straight grafting was carried out with cross-clamping the abdominal aorta, right femoral artery, and left external iliac artery.
The postoperative course was problem-free, and the patient is doing well 13 months after the operation. We think this strategy is useful for high-risk patients in order to prevent PE.