Sternotomy and extracorporal circulation for fulminant Budd-Chiari syndrome due to leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava

Budd–Chiari syndrome is a rare and severe vascular liver disease. We presented patient with fulminant liver failure secondary to leiomyosarcoma of the IVC and thrombosis.

A 44-year-old female presented with fulminant liver failure secondary to inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography subsequently revealed a thrombus within the IVC, extending cranially to the right atrium and caudally to the renal veins. The patient’s condition, characterized by early comatose symptoms, necessitated surgical intervention. Under extracorporeal circulation, a right atriotomy with thrombus lesion removal and descending thrombectomy of the IVC was performed. Hepatic congestion resolved after the thrombus was removed. A pathological examination of the excised thrombus revealed the presence of high-grade leiomyosarcoma.

In cases where a thrombus extends from the IVC to the right atrium, urgent surgical intervention with extracorporeal circulation should be considered.