Management of an infected infra-renal aortic pseudoaneurysm caused by penetration of an inferior vena cava filter: A case report

Abstract

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter, which is used widely for prevention of pulmonary thromboembolism, is regarded as a relatively safe procedure that can be applied in selected patients with venous thromboembolism. However, some studies have reported complications including penetration, migration, and infection. Penetration of an IVC filter into adjacent structures is a rare but serious complication. We report on the case of a 66-year-old male patient with a history of IVC filter placement five years earlier. Computed tomography for evaluation of abdominal pain and fever showed an IVC filter penetrating the duodenum and aorta and an infra-renal aortic pseudoaneurysm with peri-aortic inflammation. In addition, Serratia marcescens bacteremia was detected on blood cultures. A definitive operation was performed for removal of the IVC filter and debridement of infected tissue including the pseudoaneurysm, followed by aortic and caval reconstruction.