Abstract 15627: Inferior Vena Cava Filter Strut Fracture and Migration to the Right Ventricle in Post-COVID Patient With Intractable Cough

Abstract

Background: Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter fracture and migration of the fractured strut is a rare but potentially dangerous complication. We report a case of fractured IVC strut migrated to the right ventricle (RV) in a patient who was evaluated for persistent cough. Clinical Case: A 69-year-old male presented to his primary care physician for the evaluation of intractable cough and shortness of breath. Past medical history was significant for recurrent unprovoked deep vein thromboses treated with an IVC filter 15 years ago. He had COVID19 infection six months prior to current presentation. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest was ordered to screen for underlying pulmonary disease. CT scan showed no pulmonary process, but revealed a linear radiopaque foreign body in the RV of the heart. His cough was considered to be a sequela of his prior COIVD19 infection. Decision-making: To better characterize this foreign body in RV, a transesophageal echocardiogram was performed. This showed a prominent linear echo density on the tricuspid valve chord in the RV. On careful review of the CT scan of the chest and comparison with prior CT scans, it was found that one of the IVC filter strut at 9 o’ clock position was missing. The ‘foreign body’ in the RV had the same size as the remaining struts of the IVC filter. Given that the patient did not have any symptoms or complications from the incidentally found fractured strut, decision was made to not retrieve it with a percutaneous or surgical intervention. Conclusion: Significant variations in the intra-abdominal pressure may contribute to metal fatigue potentially leading to IVC filter strut fracture and migration to the RV. This underscores the importance of timely removal of IVC filters. Uncomplicated migrated IVC filter struts may be left unretrieved and patients can be followed clinically.