Neoplastic venous involvement and pulmonary embolism in patients with germ cell tumors.

Inferior vena caval (IVC) obstruction and pulmonary embolism (PE) were observed in three patients with untreated germ cell tumors. A review of the literature revealed nine similar cases. The clinical presentation and specific management of IVC occlusion and PE may delay or interfere with definitive treatment of the tumor. The occurrence of this complication before starting cytotoxic chemotherapy has implications with regard to other types of vascular disease observed in patients with these tumors.