Hepatocellular carcinoma with inferior vena cava and right atrium thrombus: A case report

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with inferior vena cava and right atrium thrombus is rare, accounting for approximately 1.4%-4.9% of cases. These patients are rarely reported, but the condition is being increasingly discovered with advances in imaging techniques, and their prognosis is extremely pessimistic with no current effective treatment. This condition is further associated with unexpected sudden death by cardiac arrest and acute large area pulmonary embolism. CASE SUMMARY: A 34-year-old man with advanced HCC with a hepatic vein thrombus extending into the right atrium had a long-term, disease-free survival following 5-mo sequential treatment combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and curative liver resection. No severe adverse effects were encountered, such as massive hemorrhage or pulmonary embolism. The proper selection of operative method is an important factor. CONCLUSION: HCC with a tumor thrombus extending into the right atrium has a significant impact on the survival of patients. Thrombectomy combined with adjuvant therapy may be beneficial for these patients.