Fracture of a Temporary Inferior Vena Cava Filter

Int Heart J. 2021;62(1):211-215. doi: 10.1536/ihj.20-269.

Abstract

Anticoagulation is recommended for the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In some cases, an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is used to prevent PE. We report the case of a 70-year-old woman who developed non-massive PE and proximal DVT, which were treated using an IVC filter; two filters were placed owing to the fracture of the filters. Few previous reports have discussed IVC fractures and the difficulty in detecting such fractures on computed tomography before retrieval. Based on our experience, we suggest that a temporary IVC filter for DVT treatment should be considered carefully.

Keywords: Complication; Prevention; Pulmonary embolism; Treatment of deep vein thrombus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vena Cava Filters / adverse effects*
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Venous Thrombosis / therapy