Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter Fracture

Figure 1: Abdominal radiograph shows that one of the legs (arrows) of the IVC filter is pointed away from the expected IVC lumen.

Figure 2: Axial CT image confirms that one of the legs (arrow) of the IVC filter has migrated out of the IVC wall into an adjacent tissue.

Fracture of IVC Filter Element

If the fragment migrates to adjacent tissues

- Asymptomatic patient: no treatment necessary

- Symptomatic patient: confirm location with CT scan and consider surgical removal if feasible

If fracture results in compromise of filter function: place a second filter

Reference:

Kaufman JA. Vena Caval Filters. In: Kandarpa K and Aruny JE, eds. Handbook of interventional radiologic procedures. 3rd ed. 2002