Endovascular Stenting in 2 Patients with Benign Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Superior vena cava syndrome-induced hemoptysis

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome resulting from obstruction of the blood flow to the superior vena cava is rarely reported to present with life-threatening hemoptysis. The pathogenesis and the underlying mechanism are still not well described in the literature. We report a unique case of a 27-year-old man known to have end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on hemodialysis that presented with shortness of breath and life-threatening hemoptysis that developed during the dialysis session. Computerized tomography with contrast (CTPA) confirmed the presence of a large, calcified thrombus within the SVC along with the formation of multiple collaterals which was diagnostic for SVC syndrome. Attempts for revascularization and stenting failed, and the patient had a prolonged and stormy course while admitted, including difficult alternative dialysis access that unfortunately resulted in death eventually. Here we are highlighting the importance of recognition of hemoptysis as a presentation of SVC syndrome by explaining the underlying pathogenesis and possible management options.

Endovascular therapy for superior vena cava syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is caused by the obstruction of the SVC and can result in significant morbidity and mortality. In contemporary practice, endovascular therapy (ET) has become the standard of care for a majority of these patients. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature to assess technical success, restenosis, and recurrence of SVC syndrome following endovascular intervention.

METHODS

For this meta-analysis, we conducted a systematic literature review of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases from inception to April 14, 2021 for studies on ET for SVC syndrome. Studies included full-length journal articles on the use of ET among adults with SVC syndrome. Case reports or case series with fewer than 20 patients were excluded. We evaluated the endpoints of technical success rate, restenosis rate, and recurrence rates in SVC syndrome patients after endovascular stenting. The results of this study were calculated using random-effects models.

FINDINGS

We identified 6,012 reports, of which 39 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. A total of 2200 patients received ET for SVC syndrome. The weighted technical success rate was 98.8% (95% CI 98.2-99.3) with low heterogeneity (I²=17.4%, p = 0.185), restenosis rate was 10.5% (95% CI 8.4-12.6) with moderate heterogeneity (I²=53.5%, p<0.001), and recurrence rate was 10.8% (95% CI 8.1-13.5) with high heterogeneity (I²=75.8%, p<0.001). Total complication rate was 8.6% (95% CI 7.3%-9.9%) with a mean complication rate of 7.5% (95% CI 4.7%-10.3%).

INTERPRETATION

Our systematic review revealed high technical success, low restenosis, and low recurrence rates following ET. Collectively, these results support the paradigm of ET as an effective and safe treatment for patients with SVC syndrome.

FUNDING

None.

Diathermy-assisted recanalization of chronic superior vena cava obstruction, case report

The number of cases of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) increased due to increased cardiac devices and central venous catheters. Management of benign SVCS is still controversial. A 51-year-old male known to have ischemic cardiomyopathy and chronic renal failure on regular hemodialysis. In the last 12 months, he had progressive shortness of breath and swelling of his upper part of the body. Examination revealed engorgement of the neck veins, facial puffiness, and pitting edema of both upper limbs. Venography showed occluded SVC. We applied a 50 Watt of energy via electrocautery pen to a Hi-Torque 0.014 Astato guidewire to cross the occluded segment retrogradely. We used 2 stents 39 mm, mounted on BIB 20/40 mm. Final angiography revealed full restoration of SVC flow. Diathermy use to cross a chronic total SVC obstruction is feasible and safe. Endovascular techniques are suitable as initial management of benign SVC syndrome.

Superior vena cava syndrome: endovascular management

Background

The objective of management of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is to promptly alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms. Conventional approaches do not always achieve results as rapidly as endovascular management with stent placement.

Objectives

To report the experience with endovascular management of SVCS of a Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Service at a Brazilian university hospital.

Methods

Symptomatic type III SVCS cases were managed with angioplasty and stent placement in 28 patients aged from 37 to 68 years, between 2002 and 2012. The etiology of SVCS was lung or thoracic cancer in 18 patients, while occlusion of the vein for prolonged use of catheters was the cause in the other 10 cases.

Results

Superior vena cava occlusion repair was not possible in one oligosymptomatic patient with a very severe lesion. Technical success was achieved in 96.4%. There were two deaths, one due to pulmonary embolism, 24 hours after a successful procedure, and the other due to compression of the airways by tumor mass some hours after the procedure. Clinical success was achieved in all cases of technical success, including one patient who died suddenly, after total regression of SVCS symptoms. Symptoms disappeared 24 hours and 48 hours after management in16 and 8 patients respectively; improvement was slower but progressive after 48 hours in the remaining patients.

Conclusions

Endovascular stent placement was effective for management of SVCS, with good technical and clinical success rates and provided prompt relief from symptoms.