Duodenocaval Fistula from an Inferior Vena Cava Filter Perforation

BACKGROUND: This article describes a rare case of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter perforation into the duodenum in a patient presenting with abdominal pain. CASE REPORT: A 55 year old woman presented with abdominal pain four years after an IVC filter placement. Workup demonstrated an IVC filter strut perforating the duodenum. The filter was removed via laparotomy, the duodenum was closed primarily, and the IVC was repaired. The patient was discharged home on post-operative day five and is doing well. CONCLUSIONS: Most extraluminal perforations of IVC filter struts are asymptomatic. Rare filter associated duodenal perforations may present with non-specific abdominal symptoms. If no other diagnosis can be attributed to the patient's presentation, direct removal of the filter and repair of the duodenum are indicated.