Hemorrhagic shock with delayed retroperitoneal hemorrhage after deployment of an inferior vena cava filter: report of a case.

Although inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement has demonstrated an excellent therapeutic efficacy in preventing pulmonary embolism, several filter-related complications have been reported. Among them, retroperitoneal hemorrhage due to IVC perforation is one of the most serious complications. We report herein a female patient who underwent TrapEase IVC filter placement with anticoagulation and thrombolytic therapy for treatment of pulmonary embolism, and later demonstrated hemorrhagic shock 5 days after filter placement. The patient's blood pressure stabilized after the anticoagulant therapy was stopped and she received a blood transfusion. We should therefore carefully observe patients after IVC filter placement, particularly those receiving simultaneous anticoagulation therapy.