Transesophageal Echocardiogram in the Diagnosis of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome in a Patient With a Long-Term Catheter

Introduction

The superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is caused by the obstruction or severe occlusion of the superior vena cava (SVC) and can result in significant morbidity or mortality.^, Malignancy is the most common cause of this obstruction, corresponding to approximately 70% of the cases. However, more recently, the incidence of SVCS related to devices, such as central venous catheters and electrodes of a pacemaker or defibrillator, have increased.^,

These devices, together with states of hypercoagulability, can precipitate the formation of thrombi. In extreme situations, in the context of bacteremia, these can lead to the formation of a complex thrombus-vegetation association.

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