Related Experiment Videos

Total inferior vena cava thrombosis following coronary artery bypass surgery

B N Rama1, B I Salem, M Haikal

  • 1Cardiology Division, St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63017.

Insights

A rare case of massive inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis and pulmonary emboli occurred after coronary bypass surgery (CABG). Prompt thrombolytic and anticoagulant therapy led to a good recovery in this unusual presentation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Thrombotic Disorders

Background:

  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common cardiovascular procedure.
  • Inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis is a rare but serious complication.
  • Post-operative complications following CABG can include thrombotic events.

Observation:

  • A 44-year-old male developed severe abdominal and back pain post-CABG.
  • Computed tomography and IVC contrast cineangiography confirmed total IVC thrombosis.
  • The patient also presented with multiple pulmonary emboli.

Findings:

  • The presentation of massive IVC thrombosis post-CABG is highly unusual.
  • Key clinical features included severe pain, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and absence of early peripheral edema or overt organ dysfunction.
  • This case represents a unique manifestation of post-operative thrombotic complications.

Implications:

  • Early recognition and prompt treatment of IVC thrombosis are crucial for patient outcomes.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare thrombotic complications after CABG.
  • Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms linking CABG to IVC thrombosis.

Related Concept Videos