Fatal pulmonary embolism despite an inferior vena cava filter in glioblastoma multiforme

Patients with high-grade gliomas are at increased risk of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. Treatment of this complication remains uncertain and options include anticoagulation or venous filters.

We present a patient with a glioblastoma multiforme who developed a fatal pulmonary embolism in spite of an inferior vena cava filter.

In spite of the theoretical risk of intratumoral hemorrhage, anticoagulation may be more effective and associated with fewer complications than inferior vena cava filters.