Right Ventricular Perforation and Subsequent Cardiac Tamponade Caused by IVC Filter Strut Fracture Migration

Cardiac tamponade, if not recognized and treated immediately, is a life threatening condition with various etiologies. Most common causes of cardiac tamponade encountered in emergency rooms are due to trauma, post myocardial infarction wall rupture, cancer and all other causes of pericardial effusion. Iatrogenic causes of cardiac tamponade include anticoagulation and procedures related. Currently there is a general comfort level amongst physicians that inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are not associated with significant complications. However, one of the feared life-threatening immediate complications of IVC filter placement is complete migration of the filter to the heart, with possible risk for cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac tamponade, and death. IVC filter strut fracture and migration to the heart and pulmonary arteries is another possible cause of cardiac tamponade and needs to be added to the differential diagnosis in the setting of tamponade signs and symptoms in a patient with history of IVC filter placement. We present a case of IVC filter strut fracture and migration to the right ventricle with penetration of the free wall causing cardiac tamponade with subsequent successful percutaneous retrieval. We hope to raise awareness through this case of the rare but potentially fatal complications of IVC filter placement and to advise regarding the judicious use of IVC filters.