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Catheter-induced thrombosis of the superior vena cava

Elio Venturini1, Lucia Becuzzi, Lucia Magni

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Civic Hospital, 57023 Cecina, Italy.

Case Reports in Vascular Medicine
|December 1, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Central venous catheter (CVC) use increases thrombosis risk. Echocardiography detected an asymptomatic cardiac mass in an 83-year-old woman, confirming CVC-associated thrombosis and preventing complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Central venous catheters (CVCs) are increasingly used in clinical settings.
  • CVCs pose a risk of thrombosis (T), potentially leading to superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome and pulmonary embolism (PE).
  • Right heart clots associated with CVCs can increase mortality risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of asymptomatic CVC-associated thrombosis.
  • To highlight the diagnostic utility of echocardiography in detecting cardiac masses and thrombosis.
  • To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis in preventing severe complications.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of an 83-year-old female patient with a CVC.
  • Echocardiogram performed due to clinical suspicion.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used for confirmation of thrombosis.

Main Results:

  • An asymptomatic cardiac mass was identified via echocardiogram.
  • The cardiac mass was confirmed as thrombosis (T) through MRI.
  • The patient's thrombosis was detected incidentally, preventing potential complications.

Conclusions:

  • Routine echocardiography in CVC patients aids in diagnosing asymptomatic thrombosis.
  • A high index of suspicion and timely imaging are crucial for preventing CVC-related complications.
  • Early detection of CVC-associated thrombosis can mitigate risks such as PE and SVC syndrome.

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