Superior vena cava syndrome after implantation of a transvenous cardioverter defibrillator.
Superior vena cava syndrome is a rare, but nevertheless well known complication of permanent pacemaker implantation. Nowadays cardioverter defibrillators are also routinely implanted transvenously. A superior vena cava syndrome occurred in a 48-year-old female 2 years after implantation of cardioverter defibrillator. The clinical problem, in the presence of a predisposing thrombophilic condition (circulating lupus anticoagulant), resolved only partially after treatment with thrombolytics and oral anticoagulation. This syndrome should be recognized as a possible important complication of defibrillator therapy and requires lifelong anticoagulation.
Dhondt
E
E
Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Ghent, Belgium.
Hutse
W
W
Vanmeerhaeghe
X
X
Jordaens
L
L
D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*