Endovascular treatment of superior vena cava syndrome by percutaneous venoplasty

Abstract

Thrombosis of the superior vena cava leads to obstruction of venous outflow of the head and upper extremities and causes severe clinical symptoms. The management of SVC syndrome depends on aetiology and acuity at clinical presentation and ranges from conservative medical treatment to bypass surgery. Endovascular treatment can provide rapid relief of symptoms and substantial clinical improvement independent of aetiology. We report a case of successful interventional treatment in a patient with catheter-induced SVC thrombosis and present a review of the literature.