Free-floating femoral vein thrombus in a patient with aspergillosis

Abstract

The management of a free-floating thrombus in the femoropopliteal or iliocaval veins is controversial. Such patients may have an increased risk of pulmonary embolism. The differential diagnosis of intraluminal venous malignancy or septic thrombosis must also be considered, especially in immunocompromised patients. This report reviews the management of a 56-year-old woman with bronchopulmonary aspergillosis who was found to have a free-floating thrombus in the femoral vein. Appropriate preoperative evaluation, emphasizing non-invasive studies and duplex exam, are discussed. In addition, the differential diagnosis, surgical options and perioperative care are considered. This patients represents a complex case of venous thrombosis in an immunocompromised patient and, therefore, the optimal care to minimize complications, such as pulmonary embolism, and prevent recurrence or post-thrombotic changes, is necessary.