Superior vena cava replacement for epithelioid haemangioendothelioma

Abstract

Epitheloid haemangiothelioma is extremely rare malignant tumour of vascular origin. Mediastinal location of this neoplasm with large veins involving is not common. We report a case of epitheloid haemangiothelioma in superior vena cava treated by radical resection and superior vena cava replacement with polytetrafluoroethylene prosthetic graft. There is a certain risk of neurological injury during the cross-clamping of superior vena cava in patient with incompletely obstructed veins. Venovenous shunt is a useful surgical strategy in this type of lesion without necessity of cardiopulmonary bypass use.

Keywords: Epitheloid haemangiothelioma; Superior vena cava replacement; Venovenous shunt.