Complete caval thrombosis secondary to an implanted venous port--a case study.
METHODS
We report the case of a woman who presented to the medical emergency room with upper thoracic inlet syndrome six months after being treated for cancer of the left breast with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. A port-related occlusion of the superior vena cava was diagnosed on the basis of the history, physical findings, and diagnostic images.


METHODS
The local standards for the handling of port systems are presented.


CONCLUSIONS
Implanted port systems facilitate the treatment of the chronically ill by enabling easy and safe venous access. As the number of patients with such systems is growing, there is an increased need for optimized handling and care, awareness of the risks (such as catheter occlusion, thrombosis, and infection), and recognition of complications when they arise.
Hasskarl
Jens
J
Medizinische Universitätsklinik Freiburg, Hämatologie/Onkologie Abteilung I, Hugstetter Strasse 55, Freiburg, Germany.
Köberich
Stefan
S
Frydrychowicz
Alex
A
Illerhaus
Gerald
G
Waller
Cornelius F
CF