title: Is a Venacavogram Necessary after Inferior Vena Cava Filter Retrieval?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the utility of venacavography after optional inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval using routine and complex techniques.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients (N = 224; 228 patient encounters) in whom venacavography was performed before and after IVC filter retrieval were reviewed from a 12-year period ending March 2014. Retrieval was considered complex if it required forceps or other adjuncts. Venacavograms were assessed for abnormalities including stenosis, filling defects, dissection, and extravasation of contrast material.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Filling defects (n = 53; 23%) and stenosis (n = 137; 60%) were significantly more frequent after retrieval (P < .05), but they did not change patient management. The only major abnormality after retrieval was extravasation (n = 3), which occurred only in the complex group and was treated with balloon tamponade and observation. No dissection was observed. Dwell time was not correlated with the presence of abnormalities after retrieval (r = 0.002, P = .977).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The lack of abnormalities requiring treatment on venacavography after routine IVC filter retrieval may justify omitting venacavography after retrieval regardless of dwell time. Although uncommon, extravasation requiring treatment may be seen after complex retrieval; venacavography remains warranted in this setting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Division of Interventional Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, 1 Silverstein, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
authors.forename: Joseph D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Mintz
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Division of Interventional Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, 1 Silverstein, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
authors.forename: S William
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Stavropoulos
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Division of Interventional Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, 1 Silverstein, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Electronic address: streroto@uphs.upenn.edu.
authors.forename: Scott O
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Trerotola
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D020878:Device Removal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010690:Phlebography / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D000069079:Radiation Exposure; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016306:Vena Cava Filters; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media