Superior vena cava syndrome: A rare complication of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy laser lithotripsy

To describe a case of acute superior vena cava syndrome during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), and to review the associated clinical features, management and complications.

A 34-year-old man, diagnosed as right renal calculi and nodal tachycardia, was admitted to receive percutaneous nephroscope laser lithotripsy. Shortly after stone disintegration, he suffered acute hypoxic and hypotension, and showed cyanoderma of face and chest skin, ocular proptosis, jugular filling and ventricular fibrillation. Dopamine and adrenaline was intravenously injected. The patient was turned over to supine position and external cardiac massage and electric defibrillation were carried out immediately. The patient finally cardioverted. His vital signs subsequently became stable and cyanoderma faded. The patient was eventually discharged from the intensive care unit three days following the event.

Severe complications such as cardiac arrest could happen during PCNL. Close monitoring the vital signs is essential for early finding and quick response to rescue.