Percutaneous endovascular treatment of an iatrogenic superior cava vein syndrome during the immediate post-operative period after mitral-aortic valve replacement

Abstract

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) results from superior vena cava obstruction, causing a decrease in venous return from the head, neck, and upper extremities. Although the most frequent cause is still malignant tumour processes, in recent years an increase has been observed in non-tumour causes, such as thrombosis of intravascular devices or iatrogenic causes during cardiac surgery. A case is presented of SVCS after cardiac surgery treated satisfactorily by an endovascular technique and systemic anticoagulation.

Resumen

El síndrome de vena cava superior (SVCS) resulta de la obstrucción de la vena cava superior, que origina una disminución del retorno venoso procedente de cabeza, cuello y extremidades superiores. Aunque la causa más frecuente siguen siendo procesos tumorales malignos, en los últimos años hemos visto un aumento de causas no tumorales, como trombosis de dispositivos intravasculares permanentes o causas iatrogénicas durante la cirugía cardiaca. Presentamos un caso de SVCS tras cirugía cardiaca tratado de forma satisfactoria mediante técnica endovascular y anticoagulación sistémica.