Acute thrombosis of a vena cava filter with a clot above the filter. Successful treatment with low-dose urokinase.

Inferior vena cava thrombosis is a major complication after filter placement. The thrombus can propagate through the filter leading to a high risk of pulmonary embolism. We report such a case in a patient with a Günther filter, successfully treated with urokinase, and we discuss the efficacy and the safety of thrombolytic therapy in such situations.