[Carotid-jugular fistula after an attempt at placement of a vena cava filter]

A carotid-jugular fistula complicated the placement of a Green-field filter via the right internal jugular percutaneous passage: the local signs of an arterio-venous fistula were associated with right parietal infarction neurological symptoms. A crossography showed a carotid-jugular fistula and a limited dissection of the original carotid artery. An elective echo-guided compression failed. The surgical treatment eliminated the fistula, fixed the carotid dissection and placed a vena cava filter with an excellent result 34 months later. Percutaneous placement of vena cava filters can lead to rare vascular complications such as carotid-jugular fistulas which can, in certain cases, be treated with an elective external compression or endovascular procedures. Surgery offers a reliable technical solution that is complete and stable in time, particularly with recent fistulas and associated neurological symptoms.