title: Cyanosis produced by superior vena caval stenosis.
abstract: Superior vena cava syndrome is a rare complication of pacemaker implantation. Narrowing and occlusion of the superior vena cava is often asymptomatic due to the formation of decompressive collateral pathways to the right atrium. We present a case in which an anomalous venous pathway allowed decompression of the systemic venous return into the left atrium, resulting in arterial desaturation, cyanosis, and fatigue.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. brian_kogon@emoryhealthcare.org
authors.forename: Brian E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Kogon
authors.forename: Courtney
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Plattner
authors.forename: Staci
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jennings
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lyle
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McConnell
authors.forename: Wendy M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Book
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003490:Cyanosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery