Use of a retrievable suprarenal inferior vena cava filter as a primary intervention for postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis: a case report

Abstract

Background: Postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis is a rare diagnosis with a significant associated risk of pulmonary embolism. The mainstay of therapy consists of intravenous antibiotics and anticoagulation.

Case: A 30-year-old woman presented with fever and abdominal pain 3 days after cesarean section and was found to have an ovarian vein thrombosis on computed tomography. Given her history of cerebral arteriovenous malformation and the attendant risk for cerebral hemorrhage with the use of anticoagulation, she was successfully treated with a removable suprarenal inferior vena cava (IVC) filter and intravenous antibiotics.

Conclusion: For patients who fail to respond to anticoagulation alone or in whom anticoagulation is contraindicated, placement of a retrievable suprarenal IVC filter is a viable treatment option in the setting of postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis.