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Pacemaker induced superior vena cava syndrome: a case report.
Egambaram Senthilvel1, Aphrodite Papadakis, Vikas Jain
1Department of Family Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA. senthilvelegambaram@yahoo.com
Cases Journal
|October 16, 2009
Summary
Pacemaker implantation can rarely cause superior vena cava syndrome due to lead trauma. Balloon angioplasty effectively treated a patient with this rare condition, offering symptom relief.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is an uncommon complication of pacemaker implantation.
- Endothelial damage from lead trauma is the suspected cause of stenosis.
- Benign SVCS is increasingly recognized due to indwelling devices.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old female presented with recurrent neck swelling and spasm.
- She had a history of pacemaker implantation and subsequent removal due to infection.
- Imaging revealed superior vena cava stenosis at its origin.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful balloon angioplasty for superior vena cava stenosis.
- She experienced complete symptom resolution post-intervention.
Implications:
- Physicians should consider pacemaker-induced SVCS in patients with relevant history and symptoms.
- Balloon angioplasty is a viable primary treatment for selected SVCS cases.
- Awareness of this complication is crucial for primary care physicians.
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