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Updated: Aug 19, 2025

Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Open surgical treatment of superior vena cava syndrome due to invasive thymoma
Taiki Kawaida1, Hiroaki Tanabe1, Mitsuhisa Kotani2
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kameda Medical Center, Kamogawa, Japan.
Abstract:
Here we describe a case of open surgery for superior vena cava syndrome due to invasive thymoma. An 85-year-old woman presented with facial swelling and exertional dyspnea. Computed axial tomography revealed a thymoma in the mediastinum, extending to the superior vena cava, right atrium, and bilateral brachiocephalic veins. Endovascular therapy did not seem feasible because superior vena cava appeared totally occluded, and stenting could cause tumor embolism to the pulmonary arteries. Open surgery facilitated macroscopically complete and successful tumor resection. If long-term survival seems possible, open surgery could be a viable treatment option for superior vena cava syndrome that is ineligible for endovascular therapy.
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