One filter may be enough for duplicate inferior vena cava filter implantation in patients with deep venous thrombosis: Two cases report

BACKGROUND: Duplicate inferior vena cava (IVC) is an uncommon congenital malformation, but should be treated carefully under the circumstances of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). However, there is a paucity of clinical guidance on this situation. METHODS: Duplicate IVC was diagnosed based on the imaging examination that revealed the dual IVC. Deep venous thrombosis was diagnosed by Compression Doppler ultrasonography of both lower extremities with the high-elevated D-dimer. Retrievable IVC filters were implanted to prevent massive and fatal pulmonary embolism. Appropriate anticoagulation therapy was also performed. RESULTS: Two retrievable filters were successfully implanted and retrieved in two patients with deep venous thrombosis and duplicate inferior vena cava, respectively. During further follow-up, no adverse event was reported. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive imaging examination might contribute to the diagnosis of duplicate IVC, especially when individual conditions were limited. The position above the confluence of bilateral IVCs might be an appropriate suprarenal retrievable filter insertion location. To deal with different types of dual IVC anatomy, different strategies should be taken into consideration.