[A case of mediastinal abscess due to Enterococcus faecalis accompanied with superior vena cava syndrome]

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome caused by benign diseases is rare. We reported a case of mediastinal abscess due to Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) accompanied with SVC syndrome and reviewed the literature on this particular condition. A 38-year-old female with swelling of the neck and dilatation of cervical vein was admitted to our hospital, being diagnosed as having a SVC syndrome. Chest roentgenogram revealed an enlargement of the right upper mediastinum and a massive infiltration in the right upper lung field. CT scan demonstrated a mass with central necrosis occupying the right upper mediastinum and stenosis of superior vena cava. Further conformation of the stenosis of vena cava was made by means of venography. E. faecalis was recovered from the pus aspirated from the mediastinal abscess, and a definitive diagnosis of SVC syndrome caused by mediastinal abscess due to E. faecalis was made. There has been no report, to our knowledge, on mediastinal abscess evolving SVC syndrome in which E. faecalis was identified as a causative organism. The present case indicates that a benign disease such as lung abscess should be considered to be a possible cause of SVC syndrome in addition to other frequent malignant diseases.