Project description:We present 3 cases of superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome following percutaneous right ventricular assist device (RVAD) placement. Each case underscores the importance of early recognition of SVC syndrome in patients with percutaneous RVAD insertion via the internal jugular vein and calls for heightened awareness of device-associated complications. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).
Project description:A patient planned to be performed catheter ablation. However, three-dimensional contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography revealed isolated persistent left superior vena cava. We should know such an anatomical abnormality especially when central venous catheter or peripherally inserted central catheter is inserted from right jugular vein or right subclavian vein.
Project description:Background and purposeOur case report deals with the importance of detailed echocardiographic examination for differential diagnosis of coronary sinus dilation and development of abnormalities of great thoracic veins.Case presentationA 49-year-old man underwent transthoracic echocardiography for atypical chest pain. A dilated coronary sinus was found and venous contrast echocardiography raised the suspicion of absent right and persistent left superior vena cava. Transesophageal echocardiography showed absence of right superior vena cava. The echocardiographic findings were confirmed by upper venous digital subtraction cavography.Conclusioncombination of agenesia of right SVC and isolated persistent left SVC in adult patients is a very rare abnormality. Both clinicians and sonographers should be alerted to the possible presence of this combined venous anomaly. Transthoracic echocardiograpy - including agitated saline infusion to the antecubital vein - is an important diagnostic tool for accurate diagnosis of this congenital thoracic venous malformation.
Project description:Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is an uncommon but serious complication associated with chronic transvenous implanted leads. In the recent past, open-heart surgery combining lead extraction and epicardial implant was usually performed to reduce syndrome recurrences. We describe the case of a 78-year-old man successfully treated by percutaneous lead extraction associated with venous balloon angioplasty and reimplantation of leadless pacemaker. <Learning objective: Chronic vascular complications following lead implantation usually require surgical treatment, due to the need for subsequent epicardial implantation. Percutaneous lead extraction along with leadless pacing allowed effective non-surgical management of chronic complications of transvenous pacing.>.
Project description:The chylothorax is a lymphocyte predominant protein-discordant exudative pleural effusions with low lactate dehydrogenase and elevated triglyceride levels. Transudative chylothoraces associated with Superior Cava syndrome (SVC) are an extremely rare clinical entity. In this manuscript, we describe a case of transudative chylothorax due to SVC obstruction secondary to thrombosis of a peripheral inserted central venous catheter, which ultimately resolved after endovascular intervention. In our review of the literature, only five cases of transudative chylothorax associated with SVC syndrome were identified with 60% of cases associated with thrombosis and complications due to catheters in the central venous circulation. Treatment of the underlying cause is key to resolution of the chylothorax. Thoracentesis is an initial intervention for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Endovascular intervention is the primary mode of treatment for SVC thrombosis and stenting is preferred for malignant causes, however anticoagulation alone has been reported in the resolution of chylothorax. In patients with recurrent chylothorax despite of relief of SVC obstruction, a medium-chain triglyceride diet and octreotide can be prescribed in order to decrease the chyle flow in the thoracic duct. Surgical ligation of the thoracic duct can be considered if medical management and endovascular treatment fails.