Iatrogenic superior vena cava syndrome with concomitant deep vein thrombosis of azygos and hemiazygos veins

Abstract

Iatrogenic superior vena cava syndrome (SVCs) represents an emergent diagnostic entity and its correlation with deep vein thrombosis is extremely rare. Recently, the increased use of indwelling lines, pacemakers and intracardiac devices has led to more cases of SVC syndrome also associated with a higher frequency of DVT. We report an unusual complication in a 74-year-old female, who has been undergoing hemodialysis via CVC for 14 years, who referred at our Emergency Department complaining of shortness of breath, headache, face and neck swelling. She underwent chest Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA), that showed a thrombus extending from the superior vena cava to the azygos and hemiazygos veins. Acute SVCs should be suspected in emergency settings in symptomatic patients with indwelling central lines, catheters and pacemakers. CTA represents an accurate and quick imaging modality for the diagnosis and the assessment of the extension of the thrombus.

Keywords

• Superior vena cava syndrome
• Permanent vascular catheter
• Hemodialysis
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Azygos vein thrombosis