title: Superior vena cava syndrome induced by endocardial defibrillator and pacemaker leads.
abstract: Two cases of superior vena cava syndrome induced by endocardial defibrillator and pacemaker leads are described. The 2 patients had histories of multiple endocardial leads and device upgrades and venous thrombosis. The first patient was treated with laser lead extraction followed by percutaneous venoplasty and stenting. The second patient was treated conservatively with long-term anticoagulation. The 2 patients had symptomatic reduction. In conclusion, superior vena cava syndrome induced by transvenous leads is an uncommon but serious complication. Anticoagulation can be effective in select patients, but in severe cases, thrombolytic therapy or surgical or percutaneous intervention may be required.
authors.affiliation: Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, and Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA. aaryana@partners.org
authors.forename: Arash
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aryana
authors.forename: Kristi D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Sobota
authors.forename: Dennis J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Esterbrooks
authors.forename: Andrew I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Gelbman
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants