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Behçet's disease-related superior vena cava syndrome and bleeding downhill varices: A rare complication

Bülent Yaşar1, Gamze Kılıçoğlu

  • 1Istanbul Training and Research Center, Başkent University, Istanbul, Turkey drbyasar@yahoo.com.

Ulusal Travma Ve Acil Cerrahi Dergisi = Turkish Journal of Trauma & Emergency Surgery : TJTES
|May 4, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Superior vena cava (SVC) occlusion can cause dangerous upper esophageal varices. This case highlights Behçet's disease as a rare cause of SVC occlusion leading to life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Superior vena cava (SVC) occlusion leads to the formation of collateral veins in the upper esophagus, termed "downhill" varices.
  • While uncommon, bleeding from these varices can be a critical medical emergency.

Observation:

  • A patient with Behçet's disease presented with symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Diagnostic evaluation revealed occlusion of the superior vena cava.

Findings:

  • The patient's gastrointestinal bleeding was attributed to "downhill" varices stemming from SVC occlusion.
  • Behçet's disease was identified as the underlying cause of the SVC occlusion.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering Behçet's disease in the differential diagnosis of SVC occlusion and "downhill" varices.
  • Early recognition and management of SVC-related "downhill" varices are crucial for preventing potentially fatal bleeding events.

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