title: Fractured inferior vena cava filter strut presenting with ST-segment elevation and cardiac tamponade.
abstract: The fracture of an inferior vena cava filter strut and its migration to the heart is a rare sequela of implanted inferior vena cava filters. Perforation through the right ventricle into the pericardium with resultant cardiopulmonary compromise is even less frequent. We report the case of a 53-year-old man who presented with chest pain and hypotension consequent to cardiac tamponade. A fractured inferior vena cava filter strut had migrated and perforated his right ventricle. The fractured strut was successfully removed by means of cardiac surgery. Inferior vena cava filters should be placed when necessary to minimize the risk of pulmonary embolism, and regular radiologic monitoring should be performed; however, the eventual extraction of retrievable filters should be considered. In addition to discussing the patient's case, we briefly review the relevant medical literature.
authors: Dheeraj
authors: D
authors: Khurana
authors: Jaffar
authors: J
authors: Raza
authors: Sunil
authors: S
authors: Abrol
authors: Neil L
authors: NL
authors: Coplan
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen; D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000209:etiology*; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000209:etiology; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010496:Pericardium; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D016306:Vena Cava Filters / Q000009:adverse effects*
keywords: Cardiac tamponade/etiology; device removal; equipment failure; foreign-body migration/complications/diagnosis/etiology/surgery; heart injuries/etiology; myocardial infarction/etiology; risk factors; treatment outcome; vena cava filters/adverse effects; vena cava, inferior/injuries