Vertebral Body Erosion and Subsequent Back Pain Secondary to a Vena Cava Filter

TL;DR

A patient developed back pain and vertebral body erosion due to an inferior vena cava filter, which was successfully removed.

Contribution

This case report highlights vertebral body erosion as a rare complication of inferior vena cava filter placement.

Findings

The patient's IVCF caused erosion of the L2 vertebral body.

The IVCF was successfully removed, leading to resolution of symptoms.

Literature suggests most IVCFs with bony erosion are removed unless contraindicated.

Abstract

Background: A patient with multiple open lumbar procedures, the most recent of which was complicated by symptomatic pulmonary embolus, underwent placement of an inferior vena cava filter (IVCF). Two years after placement, she developed low back pain with radicular symptoms. CT of the lumbar spine demonstrated vertebral body erosion from the IVCF strut. In this brief report, we describe L2 vertebral body erosion, radiographic findings, and a brief review of the literature.

Objective: To describe radiographic findings of vertebral body erosion from IVCF as well as review the literature regarding this and other complications of IVCF placement.

Methods: Retrospective, single patient chart review.

Results: The patient's IVCF was successfully removed without complication. The pain and radicular symptoms resolved by one month follow-up.

Conclusions: Based on the literature, most IVCFs with evidence of bony erosion are removed except when patient comorbidities, goals of care, or a complete absence of symptoms make removal inadvisable.

Figures