An unusual cause of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage--perforation of a vena cava filter into the duodenum.

Penetration of vena cava inferior filter spikes through the vessel wall is a frequent but only rarely symptomatic complication of these devices. We report a case of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage 11 year after implantation of a Mobin-Uddin filter. At gastroduodenoscopy a filter spike protruding from the duodenal mucosa was identified as the cause of the haemorrhage. After removal of the filter the patient made an uneventful recovery. Indications for vena cava filter placement are discussed in the light of their early and late complications. Surgical intervention is strongly recommended for symptomatic perforations.