Balloon dilation of the superior vena cava (SVC) resulting in SVC rupture and pericardial tamponade: a case report and brief review

Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2005 May-Jun;28(3):372-6. doi: 10.1007/s00270-004-0001-0.

Abstract

Stent placement is an accepted primary treatment for SVC syndrome. Balloon dilation is frequently performed prior to stent placement. Although various stent-related hemorrhagic complications have been reported, as well as reports of iatrogenic catheter and guidewire perforations, there has been only one previous report of balloon dilation-related SVC rupture. We report a second case, including the clinical scenario, in the hope that should this complication occur, it might be recognized quickly and treated successfully.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Balloon Occlusion*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / complications
  • Cardiac Tamponade / etiology*
  • Catheterization / adverse effects*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications
  • Pericardial Effusion / etiology
  • Radiography, Interventional
  • Rupture
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / therapy
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional
  • Vena Cava, Superior / injuries*