title: Be aware of wires in the veins: a case of superior vena cava syndrome in a patient with permanent pacemaker.
abstract: Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is an unusual complication of pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation. It is believed to be due to SVC thrombosis with or without stenosis induced by endothelial disruption from repeated mechanical trauma by the leads. A 58-year-old man presented with gradual swelling of his face, neck, and upper extremities of 10 days duration. A pacemaker had been implanted for symptomatic bradycardia over 5 years ago. Venous Doppler and venogram revealed thrombosis and stenosis of the SVC. He was treated with multimodal therapy and was discharged with complete resolution of his symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Saint Agnes Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Agegnehu T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Gebreyes
authors.forename: Hom Nath
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Pant
authors.forename: Donna M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Sapna P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Kuehl
keywords: pacemakers; veins; vena cava syndrome