Cyanosis produced by superior vena caval stenosis.
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.
Kogon
Brian E
BE
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. brian_kogon@emoryhealthcare.org
Plattner
Courtney
C
Jennings
Staci
S
Lyle
Teresa
T
McConnell
Michael
M
Book
Wendy M
WM
D000368:Aged; D003490:Cyanosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery