Misplacement of a vena cava filter into the spinal canal.
We report the case of a 70-year-old male with a complication of misplacement of a vena cava filter into the spinal canal. This likely happened as a result of penetration of the wire and filter sheath through the iliac vein or vena cava into the retroperitoneum, vertebral foramina, and spinal canal at the level of L2 and L3. Due to the patient's condition, the filter was not removed and no neurologic symptoms have occurred. This represents the first reported case of a filter deployment into the spinal canal. Although placement of vena cava filters is a relatively safe procedure, complications are seen commonly due to the large number of procedures performed. Spinal complications, however, are rarely reported. This is the first reported case of the inadvertent placement of a vena cava filter into the spinal canal.
The Cardiovascular Care Group, and Union County Neurosurgical Associates, Westfield and Union, NJ 07090, USA. salcuadra@yahoo.com
Salvador A
SA
Cuadra
Clifford M
CM
Sales
Adam C
AC
Lipson
Cheryl A
CA
Armstrong
D000368:Aged; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019300:Medical Errors; D010690:Phlebography; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D013115:Spinal Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016306:Vena Cava Filters / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*