Abstract
Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome resulting from obstruction of the blood flow to
the superior vena cava is rarely reported to present with life-threatening hemoptysis.
The pathogenesis and the underlying mechanism are still not well described in the
literature. We report a unique case of a 27-year-old man known to have end-stage kidney
disease (ESKD) on hemodialysis that presented with shortness of breath and life-threatening
hemoptysis that developed during the dialysis session. Computerized tomography with
contrast (CTPA) confirmed the presence of a large, calcified thrombus within the SVC
along with the formation of multiple collaterals which was diagnostic for SVC syndrome.
Attempts for revascularization and stenting failed, and the patient had a prolonged
and stormy course while admitted, including difficult alternative dialysis access
that unfortunately resulted in death eventually. Here we are highlighting the importance
of recognition of hemoptysis as a presentation of SVC syndrome by explaining the underlying
pathogenesis and possible management options.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 21, 2022
Accepted:
July 28,
2022
Received:
September 24,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
