Unilateral superior vena cava syndrome: An uncommon complication of a commonly used procedure

Authors

  • N Goolam Department of Internal Medicine, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0160-1249
  • M Bester Department of Internal Medicine, Khayelitsha District Hospital, Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
  • D Schietekat Department of Internal Medicine, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2140-537X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2024.v114i10.2370

Keywords:

SVC syndrome, central venous catheter, thrombosis, CVC complication

Abstract

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome constellates symptoms of plethora and facial and upper thoracic swelling with distension of neck veins, and the consequences of this condition range from mild discomfort to upper airway obstruction. The aetiology has a strong linkage with malignancy, and is always to be excluded. SVC syndrome is commonly a bilateral presentation, and unilateral SVC syndrome is rare, with very few non-malignant causes reported. Here, we demonstrate a unilateral occurrence with an uncommon cause.

Author Biographies

  • N Goolam, Department of Internal Medicine, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa

    Internal Medicine Registrar

    Tygerberg Academic Hospital

    Division of Internal Medicine, faculty of health sciences, Stellenbosch University

  • M Bester, Department of Internal Medicine, Khayelitsha District Hospital, Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa

    Medical Officer

    Khayelitsha District Hospital

  • D Schietekat, Department of Internal Medicine, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa

    Specialist Physician (Geriatrician)

    Internal Medicine Department, Khayelitsha District Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

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Published

2024-10-03

Issue

Section

In Practice

How to Cite

1.
Goolam N, Bester M, Schietekat D. Unilateral superior vena cava syndrome: An uncommon complication of a commonly used procedure. S Afr Med J [Internet]. 2024 Oct. 3 [cited 2024 Nov. 6];114(10):e2370. Available from: https://samajournals.co.za/index.php/samj/article/view/2370

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