Superior vena cava syndrome after implantation of a transvenous cardioverter defibrillator

Superior vena cava syndrome is a rare, but nevertheless wellknown complication of permanent pacemaker implantation. Nowadayscardioverter defibrillators are also routinely implanted transvenously. A superior vena cava syndrome occurred in a 48-year-old female2 years after implantation of cardioverter defibrillator. Theclinical problem, in the presence of a predisposing thrombophiliccondition (circulating lupus anticoagulant), resolved only partiallyafter treatment with thrombolytics and oral anticoagulation.This syndrome should be recognized as a possible important complicationof defibrillator therapy and requires lifelong anticoagulation.