Published online Apr 16, 2017. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v5.i4.148
Peer-review started: January 25, 2016
First decision: February 29, 2016
Revised: November 11, 2016
Accepted: January 2, 2017
Article in press: January 3, 2017
Published online: April 16, 2017
Inferior vena cava filters have gained increasing popularity in recent decades and knowledge on rare complications becomes vital to practicing physicians. A 30-year-old African American male with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, end-stage renal disease, history of deep venous thrombosis and placement of venacaval filter who was seen in the cardiology clinic for cardiac risks stratification prior to renal transplant. Patient denied any cardiac symptoms. A transthoracic echocardiogram was performed and showed two linear echoes bright densities in the right atrium and right ventricle embedded which was later found to be fractured filter struts by computed tomography. We discuss the various outcomes associated with non-retrieval of retrievable inferior vena cava filters.
Core tip: Retrievable vena cava filters as indicated by the name, is temporary and should be retrieved timely. However noncompliance to follow-up and retrieval has been associated with numerous complications which could also be life threatening in extreme cases. We are writing this case with the intent to enlighten physicians on various types of available filters, complications associated with it and the challenges associated with delayed retrieval of filters. This case report also emphasizes the challenges associated with delayed retrieval of the filters and the management of the complications associated with inferior vena cava filters.