Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Following Central Venous Cannulation

Superior vena cava syndrome caused by blockage of the vein that carries blood from the head, neck, chest, and arms to the heart may occur due to various etiologies including thrombosis, occlusion and pressure on the superior vena cava. Foreign instruments in the vein, infections and also intimae injuries can lead to venacaval thrombosis. One of the most common causes of caval thrombosis is central venous catheterization for fluid administration and hemodialysis. This report presents an 8 years-old girl with chronic benign superior vena cava syndrome related to the long-term use of central venous catheters for hemodialysis. Treatment included resection of the obstructed segment and repair of the superior vena cava with an autologous pericardial patch. Reconstruction with an autologous pericardial patch without bypass of superior vena cava to right atrium is a safe and simple method but more importantly it is preferable and easier to prevent these events by simple nursing care in dialysis unit to secure the dialysis access.