Surgical management of Candida suppurative thrombophlebitis of superior vena cava after central venous catheterization

Septic deep venous thrombosis is a major complication associated with central venous catheterization in intensive care units. The most common causative organisms are Staphylococcus aureus, gram-negative bacilli and Candida species. The incidence of Candida infections is increasing, especially in intensive care patients receiving total parenteral nutrition and long-term broad-spectrum antibiotics. Although intravascular catheter-induced septic thrombophlebitis is quite common, superior vena cava obstruction is a rare complication. However, few data exist concerning the best strategy for managing septic thrombophlebitis, especially when medical therapy fails. We report successful surgical management of Candida albicans suppurative thrombosis of the superior vena cava in a young patient. Received: 30 September 1996 Accepted: 15 April 1997