Hemopericardium after superior vena cava stenting for malignant SVC obstruction: the importance of contrast-enhanced CT in the assessment of postprocedural collapse.
We report the complication of hemopericardium following superior vena cava (SVC) stenting with an uncovered Wallstent in a patient with malignant SVC obstruction. The patient collapsed acutely 15 min following stent placement with hypoxemia and hypotension. A CT scan demonstrated a hemopericardium which was successfully treated with a pericardial drain. The possible complications of SVC stenting, including hemopericardium, pulmonary embolism, mediastinal hematoma, and pulmonary edema from increased venous return resulting from improved hemodynamics, ensure a wide differential diagnosis in the postprocedural collapsed patient and this case emphasizes the important role of contrast-enhanced CT in the peri-resuscitation assessment of these patients.
Brant
J
J
Department of Radiology, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK. jbrant@doctors.org.uk
Peebles
C
C
Kalra
P
P
Odurny
A
A
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications; D000368:Aged; D001984:Bronchial Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology*; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003287:Contrast Media