A case of circumferential caval penetration caused by an inferior vena cava filter with asymptomatic duodenal perforation.
Keiichi Ishida, Yoichi Sato, Hironori Uekita et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 43-year-old man with a retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placed for left iliac vein thrombosis was found on follow-up computed tomography to have filter struts extending through the IVC wall. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy confirmed penetration into the duodenum, despite the absence of symptoms. The filter was removed by open surgery, and the duodenum was repaired primarily to avert potential hemorrhagic or infectious complications. Recovery was uneventful; anticoagulation was resumed, and he was discharged on postoperative day 10.
What made this case unusual
Multiple filter struts had penetrated the duodenum without causing symptoms, with the involvement confirmed endoscopically.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
IVC filter strut penetration into adjacent bowel may be asymptomatic; cross-sectional imaging and endoscopy can help identify the complication.