Abstract
Introduction: Patients with high-grade gliomas are at increased risk of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. Treatment of this complication remains uncertain and options include anticoagulation or venous filters.
Methods: We present a patient with a glioblastoma multiforme who developed a fatal pulmonary embolism in spite of an inferior vena cava filter.
Conclusion: In spite of the theoretical risk of intratumoral hemorrhage, anticoagulation may be more effective and associated with fewer complications than inferior vena cava filters.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Brandes AA, Scelzi E, Salmistraro G, et al. Incidence of risk of thromboembolism during treatment high-grade gliomas: a prospective study Eur J Cancer 1997;3310:1592–1596.
Altschuler E, Moosa H, Selker RG, Vertosick FT Jr. The risk and efficacy of anticoagulant therapy in the treatment of thromboembolic complications in patients with primary malignant brain tumors Neurosurgery 1990;27(1):74–76. discussion 7.
Levin JM, Schiff D, Loeffler JS, Fine HA, Black PM, Wen PY. Complications of therapy for venous thromboembolic disease in patients with brain tumors Neurology 1993;43(6):1111–1114.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cavaliere, R., Schiff, D. Fatal pulmonary embolism despite an inferior vena cava filter in glioblastoma multiforme. Neurocrit Care 3, 249–250 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1385/NCC:3:3:249
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/NCC:3:3:249