Vena cava filter placement during pregnancy: a therapeutic challenge

Abstract

Abstract Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the leading cause of maternal death during the antepartum-postpartum cycle in developed countries. The diagnosis of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy is complicated by the physiological changes that occur during gestation. Management with anticoagulants is the treatment of choice, while endovascular interventions are reserved for exceptional cases. We report a case of placement of a removable inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) in a pregnant woman with left iliofemoral venous thrombosis during latent labor. After delivery, the IVCF was successfully removed with no maternal or fetal complications and anticoagulation was resumed. Considering the risks associated with IVCFs in pregnant women, their use should be restricted to cases with formal contraindications to anticoagulation and high risk of PE. Additional precautions minimize fetal radiation exposure. The decision to place an IVCF during pregnancy is complex and requires interdisciplinary discussion. Further research is needed to assess its impact.