Vena caval thrombosis after trauma to the liver

Abstract

Thrombosis of the inferior vena cava due to compression of the inferior vena cava by a hepatic haematoma is seemingly rare. We present a case of a 56-year-old female with a hepatic haematoma after blunt trauma that caused this type of compression. The constriction resulted in the formation of an inferior vena cava thrombus, and considering the contraindication to anticoagulation, we placed a retrievable inferior vena cava filter under standard fluoroscopy. This case stresses the need for systematic investigation of the abdomen, especially after a blunt trauma, which can cause compression of the inferior vena cava. Furthermore, inferior vena cava thrombosis should be considered in patients with compression of the inferior vena cava due to hepatic haematoma.