An Interesting Artifact
X-RAY
Terry R. Yochum
Alicia M. Yochum
DC, DACBR, Fellow, ACCR
RN, DC, DACBR
Case History:
This adult patient presents with a previous history of passing blood clots to the lung that were treated with anticoagulants. Since this patient has had a history of chronic thrombophlebitis, a surgical implant was placed within the inferior vena cava (IVC).
Discussion
The metallic artifact demonstrated represents an “umbrella” filter in the inferior vena cava (IVC) to catch blood clots. These are used for patients with a long-standing history of thrombophlebitis, as was the case with this patient. The metallic umbrella filter is placed within the inferior vena cava to stop any blood clots from passing from the lower extremities to the lung and creating a pulmonary embolism, which could be fatal.
The metallic artifact is seen clearly on radiographs of the lumbar spine (figures 1 and 2). Figure 3 is a CT scan through the abdomen, which also demonstrates the position and appearance of the IVC filter. Since this filter is not ferromagnetic, there is no contraindication to a patient having an MRI scan with an IVC filter in place. The use of an IVC filter could easily save the patient’s life from a pulmonary embolism (case courtesy of Gary M. Guebert, DC, DACBR, St. Louis, Missouri).
References:
1. Yochum TR, Rowe LJ. The Essentials of Skeletal Radiology, 3rd ed., Chapter 16, Radiographic Artifacts, Baltimore, Williams & Wilkins, 2005.
Dr Terry R. Yochum is a second-generation chiropractor and a cum laude graduate of the National College of Chiropractic, where he subsequently completed his radiology specialty. Dr Yochum is currently the Director of the Rocky Mountain Chiropractic Radiological Center in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Terry Yochum can be contacted at dcrad099(f aol.com.
Alicia M. Yochum RN, DC, DACBR received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Point Loma Nazarene University and then worked in the ICUfor one year before matriculating to Logan College of Chiropractic where she graduated Sum Cum Laude in 2011. She serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedics (JACO). Dr. Alicia Yochum can be contacted at alicia.yochuma/gmail. com.
