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Superior vena caval thrombosis detected by transesophageal echocardiography
L A Podolsky1, A Manginas, L E Jacobs
1Albert Einstein Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19141.
Insights
Transesophageal echocardiography detected superior vena cava thrombus in three patients suspected of bacterial endocarditis. This imaging technique shows higher sensitivity for superior vena cava thrombus compared to surface echocardiography.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Bacterial endocarditis is a serious infection often associated with indwelling devices.
- Diagnosis typically involves imaging to identify vegetations or complications.
Observation:
- Transesophageal echocardiography was performed on three patients with suspected bacterial endocarditis.
- High short-axis views of the great vessels revealed superior vena cava thrombus in all patients.
Findings:
- Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated superior vena cava thrombus in all cases.
- The sensitivity of transesophageal echocardiography for superior vena cava thrombus surpasses that of surface echocardiography.
Implications:
- Transesophageal echocardiography is a valuable tool for diagnosing superior vena cava thrombus.
- Further studies are required to determine the overall sensitivity and specificity of transesophageal echocardiography compared to other diagnostic methods.
Abstract:
Three patients with clinical suspicion of bacterial endocarditis, induced by either pacemaker or indwelling catheter, underwent transesophageal echocardiography. High short-axis cuts through the great vessels, however, revealed the presence of superior vena caval thrombus in all three patients. Transesophageal echocardiography is more sensitive in establishing the diagnosis of superior vena caval thrombus than surface echocardiography. Comparison of transesophageal echocardiography with other diagnostic modalities is needed in assessing its overall sensitivity and specificity.