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DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1564795
Superior Vena Cava Rupture and Cardiac Tamponade Complicating the Endovascular Treatment of Malignant Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review
Publication History
Publication Date:
10 November 2015 (online)
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Case Report
A 47-year-old man with known metastatic small cell lung cancer presented with 1 week of right arm swelling, facial flushing, shortness of breath, right hand weakness, and intermittent blurry vision. Physical examination revealed right upper extremity edema and facial plethora. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest confirmed enlargement of a right upper lobe mass causing near-complete occlusion of the right brachiocephalic vein and superior vena cava (SVC) ([Fig. 1]), consistent with SVC syndrome (SVCS). After extensive discussion regarding the risks and benefits of the procedure, the patient elected to proceed with endovascular reconstruction of the central veins.
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Bilateral basilic vein access was obtained, and digital upper extremity venography confirmed near-complete occlusion of the SVC ([Fig. 2]). The occlusion was traversed using a 0.035-inch wire and a 5F catheter, and intraluminal crossing was confirmed with contrast injection. Through-and-through access was obtained via the right common femoral vein, and the SVC and brachiocephalic veins were dilated using 8- and 10-mm balloons ([Fig. 3]). Venogram immediately following the 10-mm angioplasty demonstrated contrast extravasation into the mediastinum and likely the pericardial space, indicative of SVC rupture ([Fig. 4]). Ultrasound revealed a thin pericardial effusion, which, given the patient's history of radiation, was deemed sufficient to cause tamponade. Overlapping 13 mm × 5 cm Viabahn-covered stents (Gore Medical, Flagstaff, AZ) were placed from the central aspect of the left brachiocephalic vein to the atriocaval junction ([Fig. 5]). However, the patient rapidly decompensated, and despite aggressive resuscitation following advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocol, including pericardiocentesis, the patient expired on the table.
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