Long-term physiologic and oncologic outcomes of inferior vena cava thrombosis in pediatric malignant abdominal tumors

Abstract Background The long-term physiologic and oncologic outcomes of treatment for inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis in children with malignant abdominal tumors are unclear. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of children with malignant IVC tumor thrombosis treated at our institution between January 1996 and December 2011. Extent of tumor thrombus was classified using the Hinman system. Disease stage, management, and oncologic and physiologic outcomes and complications were evaluated. Results We identified 15 patients (median age, 4.7 years): 12 with Wilms tumor, 2 with hepatoblastoma, and 1 with adrenocortical carcinoma. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy changed Hinman levels in 2 (13%) patients. IVC thrombus resection was complete in 6 (40%) patients, partial in 7 (47%) patients, and not performed in 1 (6.7%) patient. On follow-up imaging, 8 (53%) patients' IVCs were patent, 6 (40%) had residual thrombus, and 1 (6.7%) was surgically interrupted. Three (20%) patients had perioperative complications, and 2 (13%) experienced transient effects related to IVC occlusion. Conclusions Surgical management of tumor thrombus in the vena cava of children with solid abdominal tumors is challenging. Evidence on which to base strong treatment recommendations is lacking. Few long-term physiologic complications were observed.