Fatal pericardial tamponade after superior vena cava stenting.
We discuss a fatal complication of percutaneous superior vena cava (SVC) self-expandable stent placement in a patient with superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). The SVCS was caused by a malignant mediastinal mass with total occlusion of the SVC. Twenty-four hours after the procedure, the patient died of a hemopericardial tamponade. In the literature, only seven cases have been described with this life-threatening complication. Patients with a necrotic tumor mass are more likely to develop this complication. Knowledge of this complication may increase patient survival.
Department of Radiology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, PO Box 90153, 5200 ME, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands. mjm.ploegmakers@gmail.com
Marieke J M
MJ
Ploegmakers
Matthieu J C M
MJ
Rutten
D000792:Angiography; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000209:etiology*; D003287:Contrast Media; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000925:Anticoagulants; D003287:Contrast Media