Oculoplethysmography in diagnosing obstruction of the superior vena cava

Preoperative evaluation of a patient with symptomatic obstruction of the superior vena cava secondary to sclerosing mediastinitis demonstrated abnormal plethysmographic findings in the central venous and carotid systems. Arteriography confirmed diminished blood flow to the arms and cerebral vessels. Following in continuity saphenous vein conduits to the jugular system, he improved symptomatically and postoperative oculoplethysmography showed a return to normal of his pulse wave form and absent pulse delay in the venous and arterial systems.