WITHDRAWN: A Cohort Study of Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis in Taiwan: An Under-recognized Entity

Abstract

Background: Inferior vena cava thrombosis (IVCT) is a rare clinical condition. Herein, we report eight cases of IVCT in Taiwanese patients.Methods: Eight Taiwanese patients diagnosed with IVCT between May 2012 and December 2019 were included in this study. The patients’ demographics, presenting characteristics, additional sites of venous thromboembolism, extent of IVCT, prothrombotic risk factors, and IVCT-related adverse events were evaluated.Results: All eight patients with IVCT presented with other coexisting venous thromboembolic manifestations, such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT, 100%) or pulmonary embolism (62.5%). The clinical presentations, including DVT in both lower extremities coexisting with the dilatation of the superficial veins of the abdominal wall (50%), were reported. No congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) were noted. Various thromboembolic risk factors, such as unretrieved IVC filters (25%), pregnancy (37.5%), lupus anticoagulants (37.5%), surgery (25%), antithrombin deficiency (12.5%), hemoglobin H disease (12.5%), and essential thrombocythemia (12.5%), were identified. All patients were administered anticoagulants. One patient (12.5%) developed post-thrombotic syndrome. No mortality was reported in our cohort. Conclusions: This is the first report of IVCT in Taiwanese patients. Typical clinical features of IVC occlusion coexisting with predisposing factors of venous thrombosis, such as lupus anticoagulants, pregnancy, or unretrieved IVC filters, could indicate a diagnosis of IVCT. Moreover, IVCT presenting as a complication resulting from the unretrieved IVC filter was observed, highlighting the potential risks of chronic indwelling filters.