A large embolus trapped by an inferior vena cava filter: a case report supporting inferior vena cava filter insertion.

We describe a patient with a deep vein thrombosis causing multiple pulmonary emboli. After inferior vena cava filter insertion, a large embolus was trapped by the filter. Anticoagulation following filter insertion decreased the pulmonary artery pressure, and there was no recurrence of pulmonary embolization. Thus, in the presence of large, multiple thrombi in the proximal veins, inferior vena cava filter had better be inserted before thrombolytic treatment to prevent a lethal pulmonary embolism, and anticoagulant therapy is important after filter insertion.