Abstract.
The aim of this study was to report our experience on the management of superior vena cava obstruction (SVCO) secondary to malignant disease, using endovascular procedures. Twenty-six patients with SVCO due to primary or secondary tumors of the lung or the mediastinum, or catheter inserted for treatment of an extra-thoracic neoplasm, had an endovascular therapy which consisted of stenting, angioplasty, thrombo-aspiration or local fibrinolysis. Immediately after the procedure, rapid relief of symptoms occurred in 24 (90 %) of the patients. The mean Kishi's score decreased from 5.5 to 0.96. Immediate complications included one death related to pericarditis bleeding following fibrinolysis. Three patients relapsed after 20 days, 4 months and 6 months, and needed a second stenting. At 6 months the primary patency rate was 83 % and the secondary patency rate was 89 %. Endovascular treatment of SVCOs is a simple and safe procedure to restore the patency of the superior vena cava in malignant SVCO. It should be indicated in most cases as first-line treatment and performed as early as possible.
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Received: 8 May 1998; Revision received: 10 August 1998; Accepted: 18 August 1998
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Thony, F., Moro, D., Witmeyer, P. et al. Endovascular treatment of superior vena cava obstruction in patients with malignancies. Eur Radiol 9, 965–971 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003300050777
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003300050777