SUPERIOR VENA-CAVA SYNDROME DUE TO A PERMANENT TRANSVENOUS PACING LEAD

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome after pacemaker implantation is a ve ry rare complication. We present a 56-year-old man with severe swellin g of the face, neck, and upper arms about 6 years after pacemaker impl antation. Digital subtraction angiography showed occlusion of the left innominate vein and severe stenosis of the SVC. The patient eventuall y required surgical treatment, since anticoagulant therapy and balloon venoplasty were not effective. We conclude that surgical repair is th e most effective method for treating similar patients.