Surgical Treatment of Intravenous Leiomyomatosis: The Role of the IVC Filter

Abstract

Introduction Intravenous leiomyomatosis is a rare, life-threatening intravenous tumor associated with uterine leiomyomata. Report This report describes the case of a 45-year-old woman with a history of weakness and exertional dyspnea, and an extensive intracaval mass extending to the right side of the heart. The tumor was successfully removed in a two-stage surgical procedure with an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter deployed before the second stage. An extensive DVT was observed postoperatively. Discussion Surgical removal is the only effective treatment for intravenous leiomyomatosis, and the rate of recurrence remains unclear. An IVC filter should be placed routinely to prevent postoperative or late (in case of recurrence) pulmonary embolism.