Abstract

We report the first recorded case of acute thrombotic occlusion of the superior vena cava successfully treated by disobliterative thrombectomy. The caval thrombosis was caused by the infusion into the superior vena cava, over a period of six days, of fluids, electrolytes, aminoacids, concentrated carbohydrates, and antibiotics. Over a period of four hours, the patient became moribund due to the development of the `wet brain syndrome'. Disobliterative caval thrombectomy, performed as an emergency procedure, resulted in immediate and permanent relief.