Use of a temporary vena cava filter in a woman with septic abortion and inferior vena cava thrombosis. A case report

BACKGROUND: Ovarian vein and inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis are rare but life-threatening complications of severe obstetric infections. IVC filters have been used to reduce the risk of pulmonary embolus in patients who have recurrent thrombotic and embolic events or underlying risk factors. More recently, retrievable IVC filters have been used in patients in whom the risk is transient. CASE: At 18 weeks' gestation a multigravida with a fetus with anencephaly became septic after Laminaria placement and rupture of the membranes. She developed ovarian vein and IVC thrombosis and was treated successfully with a retrievable IVC filter, anticoagulation and antibiotics. The filter was removed after 9 days. CONCLUSION: In young patients at transient risk for emboli and requiring placement of an IVC filter, a retrievable filter should be considered to reduce the long-term risks of an indwelling filter.