Diagnosis and follow-up of a large inferior caval vein thrombus following right heart catheterization

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Right heart catheterization is a common diagnostic procedure.
• Potential complications include thromboembolic events.
• Inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus formation is a rare but serious complication.

Observation:

• A case of IVC thrombus and subsequent pulmonary embolism following right heart catheterization is presented.
• Echocardiography was utilized for diagnosing the caval thrombus.
• The patient underwent anticoagulant therapy.

Findings:

• The IVC thrombus resolved completely after six weeks of anticoagulant treatment.
• Pulmonary embolism was a subsequent complication of the IVC thrombus.
• Echography proved effective in diagnosing the caval thrombus.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of recognizing and managing IVC thrombus after cardiac procedures.
• The findings support the use of anticoagulant therapy for resolving IVC thrombus.
• The case prompts a discussion regarding the indications for prophylactic heparinization in high-risk patients undergoing right heart catheterization.