Perforated inferior vena cava filters as the cause of unclear abdominal pain

Abstract

Inferior vena cava filters are considered a valuable therapeutic option in patients with deep vein thrombosis, subsequent pulmonary emboli, and contraindication for anticoagulation. However, these filters bear the risk of rare but serious complications (e.g., symptomatic caval perforation). We report our experiences with retrievable vena cava filters by means of an actual case and review the recent literature with special regard to filter-dependent delayed symptomatic vena cava perforations. Here, an inferior vena cava filter could be identified as the source of a patient's abdominal pain; after an interventional retrieval approach had failed, open surgical removal became necessary and led to the instant relief of this patient's symptoms. Retrievable vena cava filter removal should be performed in all cases as soon as no longer needed to avoid fatal complications.