Malignant epithelioid angiomyolipoma invading the inferior vena cava: Using a temporary vena cava filter to prevent tumour emboli during nephrectomy.

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is generally considered to be benign and malignant angiomyolipoma is rare. This paper presents an extremely rare case of epithelioid AML with tumour thrombus invading inferior vena cava (IVC). We present the case of a 36-year-old woman with epithelioid AML with tumour thrombus invading inferior vena cava who underwent radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy. As an adjunctive procedure, a temporary IVC filter was placed in suprarenal position before operation. One week after surgery, the temporary IVC filter was retrieved by femoral approach. Three months postoperatively, a computed tomography scan and abdominal ultrasonogaphy showed no evidence of thrombus in IVC or renal vein and no sign of tumour recurrence. Epithelioid AML is extremely rare and can be malignant, with invasion of the IVC or renal vein. Implanting temporary filter can prevent fatal pulmonary complication and avoid potential the side effects of permanent filter.