Long-term success of endovascular treatment of benign superior vena cava occlusion with chylothorax and chylopericardium

Eur Radiol. 2002 Dec:12 Suppl 3:S181-4. doi: 10.1007/s00330-002-1556-2. Epub 2002 Jul 18.

Abstract

The most likely etiology of benign obstruction of the superior vena cava (SVC) include fibrosing mediastinitis and iatrogenic etiologies such as sclerosis and obstruction caused by pacemakers and central venous catheter. Percutaneous stenting of SVC has been used with success both in malignant and benign superior vena cava syndrome; however, long-term follow-up of endovascular procedures is not well known. We present a case of a patient with complete occlusion of SVC of benign etiology, presenting dramatically with bilateral chylothorax and chylopericardium with cardiac tamponade, who underwent successful vena caval revascularization with thrombolytic therapy and placement of self-expanding metallic stent. The 42-month follow-up could encourage endovascular procedures even in SVC syndrome of benign etiology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / radiotherapy
  • Catheters, Indwelling / adverse effects
  • Chylothorax / diagnostic imaging
  • Chylothorax / etiology
  • Chylothorax / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericardial Effusion / diagnostic imaging
  • Pericardial Effusion / etiology
  • Pericardial Effusion / therapy*
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / etiology
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / therapy*
  • Time
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Failure