Thrombosis of the inferior vena cava and malignant disease

Lung carcinoma with adrenal metastasis and inferior vena cava thrombosis in an elderly patient with decompensated chronic liver disease: a case report

Introduction

Managing patients with complex comorbidities poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This case report details a 65-year-old male with a history of decompensated chronic liver disease (CLD) and portal hypertension, who presented with symptoms suggestive of liver disease exacerbation. He was later diagnosed with primary lung malignancy and extensive thrombosis, including the inferior vena cava (IVC) and heart chambers, a rare finding.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old man with a history of smoking, alcohol consumption, and chronic liver disease presented with severe pain in the upper right quadrant, dyspnea, weakness, loss of appetite, and unintentional weight loss. Medical assessments revealed decompensated CLD with elevated bilirubin levels, low albumin, and an elevated INR. Imaging showed lung cancer with metastasis to the adrenal gland and a large IVC thrombus extending to the heart chambers. The patient decided to pursue palliative care.

Discussion

When dealing with primary lung cancer and adrenal metastasis, it's important to thoroughly assess atypical presentations for IVC thrombus. Even with advances in imaging and treatments, managing IVC thrombus related to cancer is still difficult and requires a team approach. This case highlights underdiagnosis in areas with limited resources, emphasizing the need for timely advanced diagnostics such as CT and MR imaging.

Conclusion

This case highlights the complexities of diagnosing and managing patients with multiple conditions. It emphasizes the need for patient-centered care and the importance of ongoing research to develop effective diagnostic and treatment strategies for conditions like IVC thrombus in the context of malignancy.

Clinical significance, molecular characterization, and immune microenvironment analysis of coagulation-related genes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Background

Numerous studies have revealed a tight connection between tumor development and the coagulation system. However, the effects of coagulation on the prognosis and tumor microenvironment (TME) of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain poorly understood.

Methods

We employed the consensus clustering method to characterize distinct molecular subtypes associated with coagulation patterns. Subsequently, we examined variations in the overall survival (OS), genomic profiles, and TME characteristics between these subtypes. To develop a prognostic coagulation-related risk score (CRRS) model, we utilized the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression and stepwise multivariate Cox regression analyses. We also created a nomogram to aid in the clinical application of the risk score, evaluating the relationships between the CRRS and the immune microenvironment, responsiveness to immunotherapy, and targeted treatment. The clinical significance of PLAUR and its biological function in ccRCC were also further analyzed.

Results

There were significant differences in clinical features, prognostic stratification, genomic variation, and TME characteristics between the two coagulation-related subtypes. We established and validated a CRRS using six coagulation-related genes that can be employed as an effective indicator of risk stratification and prognosis estimation for ccRCC patients. Significant variations in survival outcomes were observed between the high- and low-risk groups. The nomogram was proficient in predicting the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS. Additionally, the CRRS emerged as a novel tool for evaluating the clinical effectiveness of immunotherapy and targeted treatments in ccRCC. Moreover, we confirmed upregulated PLAUR expression in ccRCC samples that was significantly correlated with poor patient prognosis. PLAUR knockdown notably inhibited ccRCC cell proliferation and migration.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that CRRS may be employed as a reliable predictive biomarker that can provide therapeutic benefits for immunotherapy and targeted therapy in ccRCC.

Differential diagnosis of cardiac tumors: General consideration and echocardiographic approach

Cardiac tumors may be primary (either benign or malignant) or secondary (malignant) and are first detected by echocardiography in most cases. The cardiologist often challenges their identification, the differential diagnosis and the best therapeutic approach. Malignant tumors have usually a poor prognosis, which may be significantly improved by appropriate and timely therapies. The echocardiographic aspects of benign and malignant cardiac tumors described in this article, along with a clinical evaluation may orient the differential diagnosis and aid in choosing the further steps useful to define the nature of the mass.

Severe compression of left iliac vein is a protective factor for the risk of inferior vena cava thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between left iliac vein (LIV) compression and inferior vena cava thrombosis (IVCT) in patients with LIV involvement of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

METHODS

A total of 263 consecutive DVT patients were retrospectively reviewed and divided into group IVCT and non-IVCT. The influences of LIV smallest diameter and percentage compression on the risk of IVCT were investigated using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The mean age of IVCT patients was significantly younger than that of non-IVCT patients (55.5±1.8 vs. 62.7±1.1, p=0.001). The percentage of provoked DVT in IVCT patients was higher than that in non-IVCT patients (67.1% vs 48.2%, p=0.01). The smallest diameter of LIV in ICVT patients was larger than that in non-IVCT patients (4.1±0.3 vs. 2.5±0.2, p<0.001). Mean percentage compression of LIV in IVCT patients was significantly lower than that in non-IVCT patients (63.5±2.2 vs. 74.3±1.3; P<0.001). Age was associated with decreased odds of ICVT (OR: 0.965, 95% CI: 0.965-0.985, P=0.001). Provoked DVT was associated with increased odds of ICVT (OR:2.011, 95% CI: 1.070-3.782, P=0.03). LIV compression was associated with decreased odds of ICVT for each 1mm decrease in smallest diameter of the LIV (OR, 0.717; 95% CI, 0.627-0.820; P <0.001), and for each 10% increase in percentage compression of the LIV (OR, 0.715; 95% CI, 0.612-0.835; P <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Among LIV involvement of DVT patients, non-IVCT patients had more severe LIV compression than IVCT patients. Severe LIV compression may be a protective factor for the risk of IVCT.

Renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus initially misdiagnosed as bland thrombus due to hypercoagulable state

Renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus can be misdiagnosed as an inferior vena cava thrombosis if not evaluated carefully with imaging. We describe a case of renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus that was initially misdiagnosed as an inferior vena cava thrombosis due to a possible hypercoagulable state. After 7 months of anticoagulation therapy with no improvement, a right radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy was performed without cardiopulmonary bypass, and a diagnosis of papillary renal cell carcinoma with a level-IIId tumor thrombus was confirmed with no presence of a bland thrombus. We demonstrate the complexity of identifying and treating renal cell carcinoma with venous tumor thrombus and the importance of differentiating between a malignant thrombus and a bland thrombus.

The inferior vena cava: anatomical variants and acquired pathologies

The inferior vena cava (IVC) is the largest vein in the body, draining blood from the abdomen, pelvis and lower extremities. This pictorial review summarises normal anatomy and embryological development of the IVC. In addition, we highlight a wide range of anatomical variants, acquired pathologies and a common pitfall in imaging of the IVC. This information is essential for clinical decision making and to reduce misdiagnosis.

Application of manual aspiration thrombectomy in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis in cancer patients: Descriptive retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the outcomes and feasibility of endovascular treatment, mainly based on manual aspiration thrombectomy (MAT) with adjunctive percutaneous balloon angioplasty with or without stent deployment, for treatment of symptomatic ilio-femoral deep vein thrombosis (IFDVT) in cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 135 consecutive patients (56 men; mean age, 63 years; 149 limbs) with acute (n = 113; 83.7%) and subacute to chronic (n = 22; 16.3%) symptomatic IFDVT underwent MAT-based endovascular treatment. Among them, adjunctive balloon angioplasty and stent placement was performed in 94 patients. Technical and clinical success regarding stage and cause of DVT was assessed.

RESULTS

Technical success (complete thrombus removal without residual thrombus or stenosis) was achieved in 89.6%, and subjective symptom improvement was stated by 71.5% of treated patients. The primary patency rates were 88.1%, 81.6%, 76.0%, 74.1% and 69.1% at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 30 months, respectively. Recurrent IFDVT occurred in 19.3% (26/135) of patients, 0.79 cases per patients-years of follow up. According to the analysis by causes of IFDVT, recurrence rate was 19.3% (11/57), 21.2% (12/57), and 14.3% (3/21) in unknown, compression/invasion of the vein by cancerous mass, and May-Thurner syndrome groups, respectively (p = 0.798). No procedure-related complication developed.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular treatment based on MAT is a feasible treatment option with favorable outcomes and minimal risk of complication in cancer patients with symptomatic IFDVT.

Review article inferior vena cava thrombosis: a case series of patients observed in Taiwan and literature review

Inferior vena cava thrombosis (IVCT) is rare and can be under-recognized. However, the associated complications and mortality may be severe. We report the first case series of IVCT observed in Taiwan with a brief literature review. Eight Taiwanese patients with IVCT between May 2012 and December 2019 were enrolled in this study. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT, 8/8) and pulmonary embolism (5/8) were reported. Various risk factors were identified, including an unretrieved inferior vena cava (IVC) filter, pregnancy, surgery, presence of lupus of anticoagulants, essential thrombocythemia, antithrombin deficiency, and hemoglobin H disease. Of note, four of our patients experienced complete IVC thrombosis with bilateral lower extremity swelling (due to DVT) and abdominal wall superficial venous dilatation, while four other patients presented with partial IVCT and unilateral DVT. The etiology, clinical characteristics, presentations, diagnosis, and treatment of IVCT were reviewed.

The inferior vena cava: a pictorial review of embryology, anatomy, pathology, and interventions

The inferior vena cava (IVC) is the largest venous conduit below the diaphragm. Although this structure is often overlooked both clinically and radiographically, it can be involved in many different pathologic processes. A thorough understanding of the IVC will assist the radiologist in recognizing anatomic variants, identifying abnormalities, and providing accurate differential diagnoses. In this comprehensive pictorial review of the IVC, we depict embryology behind anatomic variants, present a wide range of pathology with a focus on diagnostic imaging, and describe relevant endovascular interventions.

Anticoagulation Strategies in Patients With Cancer: JACC Review Topic of the Week

Patients with active cancer are at an increased risk of arterial and venous thromboembolism (VTE) and bleeding events. Historically, in patients with cancer, low molecular weight heparins have been preferred for treatment of VTE, whereas warfarin has been the standard anticoagulant for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). More recently, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been demonstrated to reduce the risk of venous and arterial thromboembolism in large randomized clinical trials of patients with VTE and AF, respectively, thus providing an attractive oral dosing option that does not require routine laboratory monitoring. In this review, we summarize available clinical trial data and guideline recommendations, and outline a practical approach to anticoagulation management of VTE and AF in cancer.

Inferior Vena Cava Compression Caused by a Retroperitoneal Hematoma Following an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture

This report presents the case of a 43-year-old man with inferior vena cava (IVC) compression caused by a retroperitoneal hematoma following an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture. Preoperative computed tomography scans revealed an infrarenal AAA with a retroperitoneal hematoma nearly occluding the IVC. After emergency aortic grafting, IVC thrombosis, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) arose. Anticoagulation therapy resolved these thrombotic complications. Disappearance of the hematoma and IVC recanalization were confirmed 3 months postoperatively. Although IVC compression caused by a retroperitoneal hematoma is temporary, careful attention should be paid to IVC thrombosis, DVT, and PTE as possible complications.

Intra-caval Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation for a Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) Metastasis in Transplanted Liver

Less than 1% of patients with liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are susceptible to liver transplantation. We report a case of a patient transplanted 13 years ago for NET metastases, with a lesion histologically proved for NET metastasis located at the cava vein anastomosis. He was treated with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) after a first failed attempt of endovascular approach. The vascular heat sink, which RFA is susceptible to, was considered an advantage in this case, since it restricted the propagation of heat only to the tissue located in the very proximity of the RFA antenna, protecting the inferior vena cava vessel walls. This positive result may suggest an additional use of RFA in selected challenging cases.

Differential Diagnosis of an Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis/Hepatic Cyst Using an Abdominal Sonogram, Echocardiogram, Venography, and Computed Tomography Angiogram

The role of cardiac sonographers, as health care professionals, comprises facilitating a cardiologist’s diagnosis of valvular lesions, coronary artery disease, and congenital defects and assessing right-side pulmonary complications and so on. Occasionally, communication of differential diagnoses across several modalities, specialties, and healthcare providers is compulsory, in order to accurately confirm or deny an appropriate diagnosis for patients with unique presentations. This case study highlights the vital role of abdominal sonography, echocardiography, venography, and computed tomography in the diagnosis of a hepatic cyst. In addition, it demonstrates the appropriate measures that cardiac sonographers can take to fully investigate these lesions, especially when they are presumed to be a thrombosed inferior vena cava.

Thrombosis of the Abdominal Veins in Childhood

Abdominal venous thrombosis is a rare form of venous thromboembolic disease in children. While mortality rates are low, a significant proportion of affected children may suffer long-term morbidity. Additionally, given the infrequency of these thrombi, there is lack of stringent research data and evidence-based treatment guidelines. Nonetheless, pediatric hematologists and other subspecialists are likely to encounter these problems in practice. This review is therefore intended to provide a useful guide on the clinical diagnosis and management of children with these rare forms of venous thromboembolic disease. Herein, we will thus appraise the current knowledge regarding major forms of abdominal venous thrombosis in children. The discussion will focus on the epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of (1) inferior vena cava, (2) portal, (3) mesenteric, (4) hepatic, and (5) renal vein thrombosis.

Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Lower Extremities in Comatose Elderly Patients with Acute Neurological Diseases

PURPOSE

Comatose elderly patients with acute neurological illness have a great risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In this study, the incidence of DVT and the effectiveness of early initiation of treatment were evaluated in those patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total 323 patients were admitted to our ward due to neurological diseases in one year, and 43 patients, whose Glasgow Coma Scale was ≤ 11 and who was older than ≥ 60 years, were included in this study. D-dimer was measured on admission and day 7, and lower-extremity ultrasonography was performed on day 7. When DVT was positive, heparin treatment was initiated, and further evaluation of pulmonary embolism (PE) was conducted. Vena cava filter protection was inserted in PE-positive patients. Incidence of DVT and PE, alteration of D-dimer value, and effect of heparin treatment were analyzed.

RESULTS

DVT was positive in 19 (44.2%) patients, and PE was in 4 (9.3%). D-dimer was significantly higher in DVT-positive group on day 7 (p<0.01). No DVT were identified in patients with ischemic disease, while 66.7% of intracerebral hemorrhage and 53.3% of brain contusion patients were DVT positive. Surgery was a definite risk factor for DVT, with an odds ratio of 5.25. DVT and PE disappeared by treatment in all cases, and no patients were succumbed to the thrombosis.

CONCLUSION

Patients with hemorrhagic diseases or who undergo operation possess high risk of DVT, and initiation of heparin treatment in 7 days after admission is an effective prophylaxis for DVT in comatose elderly patients without causing bleeding.