Open removal of a retained retrohepatic inferior vena cava filter with a residual primary neuroectodermal renal tumoral thrombus

Abstract

Primary neuroectodermal renal tumours (PNET) are rare and aggressive neoplasms; thrombosis of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is associated with this entity. We report here the case of a 19-year-old man who experienced a new onset of abdominal pain. A CT scan revealed a large left renal mass, perirenal haematoma and IVC thrombosis. Owing to an acute drop in haemoglobin and subsegmentary pulmonary embolism, he underwent emergency selective renal artery angiography and embolisation of bleeding vessels and IVC filter (IVCF) placement. Once stable, he underwent a left radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy; the pathology report confirmed PNET. 6 months later, imaging revealed a residual tumoral thrombus in the IVCF located in the retrohepatic IVC. The patient underwent removal of this device and the thrombus via a right thoracoabdominal approach. He recovered well and at 4 months, he continues his chemotherapy cycles.