Neuroendocrine tumour of the inferior vena cava

Malignant tumours of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are rare. Secondary involvement of the IVC by adjacent retroperitoneal tumours is more common than the occurrence of leiomyosarcomas of the IVC. The authors present a case of a secondary neuroendocrine tumour of the infrarenal vena cava that presented with pulmonary emboli. To their knowledge this presentation has not been reported previously. The tumour was technically resectable and reconstruction of the IVC was not required. No primary tumour was identified. As palliative treatment, an aggressive surgical approach is recommended when the primary tumour is controlled or is not readily identified.