This report evaluates the efficiency and safety of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) using tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and argatroban for the treatment of IVC filter thrombosis complicated by heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). From October 2012 to December 2014, 19 patients with unilateral lower extremity deep venous thrombosis were treated with standard anticoagulation, filter placement and urokinase-based CDT, all of whom developed IVC filter thrombosis and HIT. A revised protocol (tPA-based CDT and argatroban-based anticoagulation) was performed to treat IVC thrombosis. The extent of lysis was graded from I to III. Technical and clinical outcomes and complications were monitored. A total of 22 filters were implanted, 20 of which were retrieved later. The technical success rate of revised CDT for IVC thrombosis was 100%. On evaluating IVC thrombus, thirteen cases (68.4%, 13/19) were identified as grade III (complete resolution of thrombus) and six (31.6%, 6/19) as grade II (50-99% resolution of thrombus). No major bleeding related to CDT occurred. HIT in all patients was successfully treated with argatroban. Two patients with malignant tumor died during the follow-up. For patients with IVC filter thrombosis complicated by HIT, it seems tPA-based CDT and argatroban is an alternative regimen.
Keywords: Inferior vena cava filter; anticoagulation therapy; catheter-directed thrombolysis; venous thrombosis.