Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Computed Tomography (CT) Guided Implantation of a Totally Implantable Venous Access Port (TIVAP) through Subclavian Vein
05:51

Computed Tomography (CT) Guided Implantation of a Totally Implantable Venous Access Port (TIVAP) through Subclavian Vein

Published on: January 13, 2026

Computed tomography imaging of vena cava filter complications: a pictorial review

A Cina1, G Masselli, C Di Stasi

  • 1Department of Radiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy. acina@sirm.org

Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987)
|April 12, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters prevent pulmonary embolism but have complications. This review details normal filter appearance and complications on computed tomography (CT) scans, aiding diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are crucial for preventing pulmonary embolism (PE).
  • While effective, IVC filters are associated with a non-negligible rate of complications.
  • Computed tomography (CT) is a key imaging modality for evaluating IVC filters and associated complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the normal computed tomography (CT) appearance of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters.
  • To classify and describe the CT findings of various IVC filter complications.
  • To highlight technical considerations for optimal CT imaging of IVC filters.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on IVC filters and their complications.
  • Analysis of computed tomography (CT) imaging characteristics.
  • Classification of complications based on CT findings.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of the typical CT presentation of IVC filters.
  • Categorization of complications, including caval and extracaval findings.
  • Identification of specific CT features indicative of filter-related issues.

Conclusions:

  • Computed tomography (CT) is essential for comprehensive assessment of IVC filters.
  • Understanding normal and abnormal CT findings is critical for managing IVC filter complications.
  • Adherence to technical imaging guidelines ensures accurate evaluation.

More Related Videos

Anatomical Reconstructions of the Human Cardiac Venous System using Contrast-computed Tomography of Perfusion-fixed Specimens06:02

Anatomical Reconstructions of the Human Cardiac Venous System using Contrast-computed Tomography of Perfusion-fixed Specimens

Published on: April 18, 2013

Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava06:59

Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava

Published on: January 13, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging01:19

Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging

DefinitionRenal angiography, also known as renal arteriography, is an imaging technique used to obtain a comprehensive view of blood flow and the vascular structure of blood vessels in the kidneys and surrounding areas.PurposeRenal angiography detects blood vessel abnormalities in the kidneys, such as aneurysms, stenosis, thrombosis, vascular tumors, and renal artery stenosis. It evaluates kidney function and guides interventional treatments like angioplasty or stent placement.Pre-Procedure...
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography01:27

Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography

DefinitionComputed Tomography (CT) of the genitourinary (GU) tract is a non-invasive imaging modality that utilizes X-rays and computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and adjacent structures such as the adrenal glands.PurposeCT scans of the GU tract serve several diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Diseases: Detects kidney stones, tumors, cysts, and congenital...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...