Managing central venous obstruction in cystic fibrosis recipients--lung transplant considerations

The superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is rare, but presents unique challenges in the peri-transplant period. We reviewed our experience of SVC syndrome in CF recipients undergoing lung transplantation.

This is a retrospective case series from a single center chart-review. SVC obstruction is defined by clinically significant stenosis or obstruction of the SVC as detected by contrast studies.

We identified SVC obstruction in seven post-transplant cases and one pre-transplant case. All eight patients had previous or current history of indwelling central venous catheters. Three recipients experienced operative complications. Five of the seven recipients suffered at least one episode of post-operative SVC obstruction or bleeding despite prophylactic anticoagulation. At a median follow-up of 29 months, six of the seven patients transplanted are well.

Strategies are available to minimize the risks of intra/peri-operative acute life-threatening SVC obstruction in CF patients.