Author(s)

Jennifer P. Montgomery^*, Kenneth J. Kolbeck

Dotter Interventional Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.

Inferior vena cava filters are placed in selected patients to protect against potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. Generally, filter placement is regarded as a safe procedure although rare complications may arise. Recurrent thromboembolic events are the most common complications assoiated with inferior vena cava filters; however, there are multiple reports of filter fracture, migration, embolization, penetration and perforation. The aim of this report is to illustrate a serious potential complication of inferior vena cava filters. We report a rare case of symptomatic retroperitoneal hemorrhage occurring 3 weeks after filter placement treated successfully with selective arterial embolization of a lumbar artery laceration. This case serves to highlight the importance of retrieving filters when they are no longer beneficial.

Inferior Vena Cava Filter, Pulmonary Embolism, Hemorrhage, Arterial Embolization, Lumbar Artery Laceration

Montgomery, J. and Kolbeck, K. (2015) Delayed Lumbar Artery Laceration and Symptomatic Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage Following IVC Filter Placement. Open Journal of Radiology, 5, 212-216. doi: 10.4236/ojrad.2015.54029.