Endovascular stenting for the management of port-a-cath associated superior vena cava syndrome

Emerg Radiol. 2009 Mar;16(2):143-6. doi: 10.1007/s10140-008-0714-5. Epub 2008 Mar 6.

Abstract

Port-a-cath systems are often essential for the administration of long-term chemotherapy in the treatment of malignancies because they improve venous access, but they are associated with complications, mainly thrombosis of central veins. In the present report, we describe a case of right subclavian and superior vena cava port-a-cath-related thrombosis causing superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) in a patient affected by Hodgkin's disease. The patient underwent percutaneous revascularization with stent positioning, experiencing immediate relief of symptoms. Endovascular procedures for the treatment of nonmalignant SVCS seem to represent a challenging therapeutic option.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Catheters, Indwelling / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Hodgkin Disease / complications
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Stents*
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / complications*
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / therapy
  • Thrombosis / etiology
  • Thrombosis / therapy*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed