(Mis)placed central venous catheter in the left superior intercostal vein

BACKGROUND: Chest X-ray is routinely performed to check the position of the central venous catheter (CVC) inserted through the internal jugular or subclavian vein, while the further evaluation of CVC malfunction is usually performed by contrast venography. In patients with superior vena cava obstruction, the tip of the catheter is often seen in collateral mediastinal venous pathways, rather than in the superior vena cava. In such cases detailed knowledge of thoracic vessel anatomy is necessary to identify the exact location of the catheter. CASE REPORT.: We report a case of 32-year-old female patient with relapsing mediastinal lymphoma and previous superior vena cava obstruction with collateral azygos-hemiazygos venous pathways. The patient had CVC inserted through the left subclavian vein and its position was detected by CT to be in the dilated left superior intercostal vein and accessory hemiazygos vein. Considering that dilated accessory hemiazygos vein can tolerate infusion, the CVC was left in place and the patient had no complaints related to CVC (mal)position. Furthermore, we present anatomical and radiological observations on the azygos-hemiazygos venous system with the special emphasis on the left superior intercostal vein. CONCLUSIONS: Non-contrast CT scans can be a valuable imaging tool in the detection of the CVC position, especially in patients with renal insufficiency and contrast media hypersensitivity.     

Iatrogenic superior vena cava syndrome. A new entity

Four patients with cancer developed superior vena cava syndrome following placement of a central venous catheter (Broviac or Hickman catheter) without evidence of mediastinal tumoral involvement. Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations are discussed.     

Mediastinal extravasation of doxorubicin

A 48-year-old woman with a diagnosis of breast carcinoma was treated with adjuvant chemotherapy through a central venous catheter with subcutaneous reservoir (Port-A-Cath). While doxorubicin was administered, the patient presented thoracic pain and breathing distress due to superior vena cava perforation by the central catheter and subsequent extravasation of the drug into the mediastinum. The patient recovered without sequelae with conservative therapy. Cytostatic extravasation via central catheter is an uncommon complication in clinical practice. In this paper we present the first doxorubicin extravasation through a central catheter in adults and review the only ten cases found in the literature.     

Superior vena cava syndrome with central venous catheter for chemotherapy treated successfully with fibrinolysis

Abstract Recently, there has been an increase in the number of cases of superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome associated with chronic indwelling central venous catheters. Fibrinolytic therapy and endovascular treatment are currently achieving good results. We present a case history of a patient with SVC with a catheter used for chemotherapy, which was successfully treated with catheter-directed (intraclot) infusion thrombolytic therapy with urokinase.     

Long-term vascular access via the inferior vena cava

A prospective evaluation of long-term venous access catheters placed via the inferior vena cava was performed to determine their efficacy as well as short- and long-term morbidity. From June 1987 to May 1989, 31 catheters were placed in 26 patients, for a total of 3,503 catheter use days. All catheters were placed via an infraumbilical approach when the more conventional supraumbilical route was technically difficult, dangerous, or impossible to be used. There were a total of 14 complications in 12 episodes (one in every 701 catheter use days), six episodes of catheter occlusion or vessel thrombosis (one in every 583 catheter use days), one catheter malfunction, one episode of cuff erosion through the skin, and one catheter that migrated through the inferior vena cava into the retroperitoneum. These results compared favorably with our experience with long-term catheters of a similar type placed via a supraumbilical approach into the superior vena cava. We conclude that the infraumbilical route for long-term central venous access is safe and technically easy and should be strongly considered in patients in whom venous access via the supraumbilical approach will be technically difficult or have a high likelihood of failure.     

Percutaneous fluoroscopic removal of a knotted Swan–Ganz catheter in a patient with a persistent left‐sided superior vena cava

Knotting of intravascular catheters is an uncommon but a well‐recognized occurrence. The Swan–Ganz catheter (SGC) is the one that knots most commonly. A case of a knotted SGC is described in a patient with a persistent left‐sided superior vena cava, and we propose that the presence of a left‐sided superior vena cava is a risk factor for knot formation not previously reported. We review the published work on the risk factors for knot formation and on the techniques used to remove knotted SGC. We describe a technique using a gooseneck snare and Omni Flush catheter (Angiodynamics, Queensbury, NY, USA) to loosen and untie a knotted SGC.     

多层螺旋CT在肺癌致上腔静脉综合征中的应用价值

目的探讨多层螺旋CT在肺癌致上腔静脉综合征中的应用价值。方法回顾性分析12例临床确诊的肺癌致上腔静脉综合征的多层CT扫描等临床影像资料。结果 12例患者中,肺癌位于上肺叶8例(右侧6例,左侧2例)、右中肺叶1例、右全肺3例;中央型6例、右上纵隔型4例、周围型2例。上腔静脉梗阻征表现为环状包埋及夹心状包埋(6例)、推移(5例)、完全闭塞(1例)。增强CT还显示了3例侧枝循环形成情况。结论多层螺旋CT增强扫描可明确诊断肺癌致上腔静脉综合征。     

Systemic to portal shunting following vena cava obstruction: Computed tomography and venographic appearances

Obstruction of the inferior or superior vena cava normally leads to the formation of a well‐described and consistent pattern of collateral venous pathways. We present the angiographic and CT features of the unusual development of systemic to portal venous shunting in two cases with central vein obstruction.     

Superior vena cava obstruction syndrome: recommendations for management

The main cause of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is malignant disease. However, multiple other diseases must be considered in the differential diagnosis and a new entity, SVCS due to central venous catheters, represents an etiology of increasing importance. SVCS due to malignancy should not be considered as a radiotherapeutic emergency. Careful management including invasive procedures such as mediastinoscopy to make a definite diagnosis should be performed when necessary by skilled practitioners, as specific therapy depends on a histologic diagnosis. Irradiation remains the standard treatment for many solid tumours, particularly non-small cell lung cancer. For chemosensitive tumours such as small cell bronchogenic carcinoma or lymphoma, chemotherapy can be recommended as initial treatment, and it is associated with high regression rates of the SVCS. In the case of a recent thrombosis of the superior vena cava, fibrinolytics may be applied as suggested by the experience obtained with central venous catheters.     

An 11-year retrospective study of totally implanted central venous access ports: Complications and patient satisfaction

Aims

We wanted to assess the factors that predict complications and patient satisfaction of totally implanted central venous access ports (TIAP).

Methods

We reviewed 550 patients with breast or gynaecological malignancies who had initial port placement for chemotherapy between 1995 and 2006. We retrospectively assessed all TIAP complications, port duration and follow-up care until the TIAPs were removed (or the last known recorded documentation) or until the death of the patient. TIAP-related patient satisfaction was also assessed via a questionnaire-based survey of 356 patients.

Results

561 TIAPs were placed in 550 cancer patients (11 patients received 2 TIAPs during the study period); the median time of port duration was 22.5 months. There were 104 complications in this group. Of these, 81 occurred during chemotherapy treatment that lasted a median time of 182 days. Removal secondary to complication was observed in 48 cases. TIAPs placed on the left chest side, through the subclavian vein or with the catheter tip localized in the peripheral part of superior vena cava demonstrated the highest incidence of complications. Patients with a BMI >28.75 had an increased risk for developing complications. Our follow-up questionnaire revealed a 93% patient satisfaction rate with the TIAP.

Conclusions

Patients with left-sided ports, catheter tips lying in the upper part of the superior vena cava and implantation via the subclavian vein are at a higher risk for TIAP-associated complications. Being excessively overweight was assessed as another risk factor for developing complications. TIAPs are highly accepted and further recommended by patients.     

上腔静脉滤器在肿瘤合并上肢深静脉血栓形成中的应用

  目的  探讨应用上腔静脉滤器对肿瘤合并上肢深静脉血栓形成患者预防肺栓塞发生的安全性和有效性。  方法  回顾性分析20例上肢深静脉血栓形成患者资料。20例患者中肺癌6例, 胃癌4例, 乳腺癌2例, 卵巢癌、胰腺癌、鼻咽癌、白血病、恶性淋巴瘤、食管癌、贲门癌、胸腺瘤术后左颈部转移各1例。其中9例患者行PICC(Peripheral inserted central catheter)置管化疗, 2例行锁骨下静脉置管化疗。  结果  全部患者均成功置入上腔静脉滤器, 保留深静脉置管的患者术后成功拔除深静脉导管, 无手术相关并发症发生, 随访6~24个月, 术后无症状性肺栓塞、上腔静脉穿孔、滤器移位及上腔静脉综合征发生。  结论  恶性肿瘤及深静脉置管是上肢深静脉血栓形成最重要的原因, 上腔静脉滤器置入是预防肿瘤合并上肢深静脉血栓形成患者发生肺栓塞的一种安全和有效的措施。      

正中开胸上腔静脉人工血管置换的程序化处理在胸部肿瘤外科治疗中的应用

背景与目的 上腔静脉系统受累是局部晚期胸部肿瘤较常见的一种情况,手术可能获益,但风险极高.本研究针对正中开胸入路,提出一种程序化的手术方案,旨在优化流程,使得这一类以往认为风险极高的手术能够更加安全地实施.方法 35例胸部疾患累及上腔静脉系统,经正中开胸进行人工血管置换的患者资料,分期检查明确为局部晚期.包括肺部肿瘤16例,纵隔肿瘤19例.手术方法采用从左至右的单向推进,先游离左无名静脉起始部,阻断后切断,掀起瘤体,打开心包,用人工血管桥接左无名静脉和右心耳.游离上腔静脉近心端未受侵部分后,向尾侧牵拉肿瘤,剪开右侧纵隔胸膜,结扎切断右侧乳内血管,可以充分显露右无名静脉.向左上方牵拉瘤体,于肺门上方结扎切断奇静脉,此时可以阻断右无名静脉和上腔静脉,切除中间受侵的血管,以人工血管行右无名静脉-上腔静脉桥接,完成受侵的上腔静脉系统全部替换.结果 全组病例均顺利完成手术.术后并发症包括:心律失常6例,低氧血症5例,肌无力危象1例,心脏疝1例,真菌感染2例.2例患者死亡,死亡率5.12%,分别死于心梗和肺部感染.其余33例顺利出院.平均术后住院日15 d.在10例术前出现上腔静脉综合征的患者中,除2例术中即出现人工血管内血栓形成的患者,其余8例症状均明显改善.结论 上腔静脉人工血管置换手术经程序化的处理,规范治疗的细节,在手术操作过程中可降低手术风险,本组病例手术能够安全实施的实践也支持这一点.     

Use of totally implantable central venous access port via the basilic vein in patients with thoracic malignancies

Background  For patients with a thoracic malignancy whose peripheral veins are not suitable for blood access for chemotherapy, we evaluated a totally implantable central venous access port, in which the port is implanted in the ulnar side of the arm and the catheter is introduced via the basilic vein into the superior vena cava (TIAP-BV). Methods  Twenty-five patients (21 with lung cancer, 2 with malignant pleural mesothelioma, and 2 with thymoma) receiving TIAP-BV were included. Indications, surgical complications, and long-term complications were analyzed. Results  Indications for TIAP-BV were: chemotherapy (17 patients) and chemotherapy with parenteral nutrition (8 patients). The following surgical complications occurred: arrhythmia due to misplacement of the tip of catheter (1 patient); intraoperative conversion from the left to right arm (2 patients); and hematoma at the implantation site (1 patient). Short-term problems were: death 1 week after implantation without the use of TIAP-BV (2 patients). Long-term complications were: skin ulcer at the port site (1 patient); early removal of TIAP-BV because of port site infection (1 patient); catheter occlusion (1 patient); and venous thrombosis of basilic vein (2 patients). In the 22 patients who did not die early or have the device withdrawn early, the median duration of TIAP-BV use was 7 months (range, 1 to 20 months) without any break to the port system, leakage of drugs, or catheter-related infections. Conclusion  TIAP-BV can be employed for long-term use for chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition. However, a patient’s expected prognosis and infectious disease status at the time of implantation surgery should be considered before the surgery proceeds.     

内支架联合局部定向溶栓治疗上腔静脉综合征

目的　探讨内支架联合导管定向溶栓治疗肿瘤性上腔静脉阻塞综合征的方法及意义。方法　 2 6例肿瘤性上腔静脉阻塞综合征患者中 ,肺癌伴纵隔淋巴结转移 17例 ,纵隔恶性肿瘤 5例 ,食管癌纵隔淋巴结转移 2例 ,非霍奇金淋巴瘤 2例。采取股静脉入路 ,将多侧孔导管送至上腔静脉阻塞段血栓内 ,经导管滴注尿激酶 ,时间为 2 0～ 40min。然后球囊扩张 ,植入自张式支架。结果　 2 4例开通成功 ,2例因闭塞导丝无法通过而失败。 2 4例中有 3例患者狭窄段长 10cm ,置入 2个支架 ;余 2 1例均置入一个支架。 2 4例在扩张前均行溶栓治疗。开通前后梗阻远侧测静脉压 ,从术前的 2 1.2 3± 1.80mmHg降到术后的 5 .33± 0 .98mmHg(患者均为卧位测压 )。经统计学处理 ,开通前后梗阻远侧静脉压力变化差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 1)。开通后造影示侧支静脉均不再显影 ,上腔静脉管径接近正常 ,轮廓光整。上腔静脉阻塞症状于术后 2～ 3d消退。结论　经股静脉入路 ,上腔静脉支架置入术联合导管定向溶栓是肿瘤性上腔静脉阻塞综合征有效的微创治疗方法     

Management of venous thromboembolism in colorectal cancer patients treated with bevacizumab

Venous thromboembolism associated with use of a central venous access system is an urgent problem in patients treated with bevacizumab (bev). We investigated the effectiveness of Doppler ultrasound imaging (DUS) in the early detection of catheter-related thrombosis for avoidance of severe venous thromboembolism. Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer received either FOLFOX-4 + bev or FOLFIRI + bev. DUS was performed on the deep venous system for detection of thrombus formation during the initial cycle of treatment, followed by re-evaluation after the third cycle in patients with asymptomatic thrombus formation. All patients were followed up until treatment was interrupted. Median duration of follow-up was 484 days (range 72–574). Among 41 enrolled patients, curable symptomatic thrombosis occurred in one, and asymptomatic thrombosis in 21 (51.2%). Of 21 patients undergoing re-evaluation, thrombi remained without progression in 17 patients, and enlargement in 4 patients. In two of the patients in whom there was progression, pulmonary embolism occurred after the sixth cycle. In the asymptomatic group, no thrombi developed as far as the superior vena cava in any patient. In the cases of progression, thrombotic enlargement was observed in all the 4 patients, with decreased vascular flow in 2. Using DUS, we were able to detect asymptomatic thrombosis in the early cycles of treatment, indicating its potential in the monitoring of venous thrombi. In the event of an enlarging asymptomatic thrombosis developing into the superior vena cava along with decreased vascular flow, careful follow-up and appropriate anticoagulant therapy may be recommended without increased risk of bleeding.     

局部晚期非小细胞肺癌的扩大手术治疗

目的探讨局部晚期非小细胞肺癌的外科手术治疗方法及其疗效.方法对4例局部晚期非小细胞肺癌分别施行肺叶袖状切除、肺叶袖状切除 肺动脉袖状切除(部分心包切除)、肺叶袖状切除 肺动脉袖状切除 上腔静脉部分切除、人造血管置换术.结果 4例局部晚期非小细胞肺癌均施行完全性手术切除(R0),无一例发生围手术期并发症及死亡,手术后随访期间未发现肿瘤局部复发和(或)转移.讨论非小细胞肺癌患者确诊时多数已属局部晚期病变,对该类患者施行袖状肺叶切除术、袖状肺叶切除 肺动脉袖状切除术[包括心包和(或)心房部分切除术]是较全肺切除术更为安全的手术治疗方式.对于合并上腔静脉综合征的患者,亦有可能手术治疗.诱导治疗及肺外科手术技巧的发展,使完整切除肺病变及受累的邻近结构(上腔静脉,肺动脉等)已成为可能.     

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Caused By Chemotherapy-Induced Fibrosis

Abstract

We report a case of a 51-year old man with small cell lung cancer who developed superior vena cava syndrome due to obstruction of the superior vena cava at the junction of the brachiocephalic vein by a fibrotic band, 2 months after completing six cycles of chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposid. Superior vena cava syndrome caused by chemotherapy-induced pulmonary fibrosis should be kept in mind during follow-up.     

Necrotizing pneumonitis caused by 5-fluorouracil infusion. A complication of a Hickman catheter.

The authors report the case of a patient with a Hickman catheter that migrated into the lung parenchyma. The resultant inadvertent infusion of 5-fluorouracil caused necrotizing chemical pneumonitis. Possible mechanisms of catheter migration include the lateral orientation of the catheter tip and the partial thrombosis of the innominate vein and superior vena cava. The patient recovered but had residual contraction fibrosis of the right upper lobe of the lung.     

Case report of a long-term home parenteral nutrition patient

We experienced a patient who received long-term home parenteral nutrition. A 55-year-old woman underwent left adrenalectomy in June, 1992. The histopathological diagnosis was aldosteronism. Abdominal pain and ileus appeared in July, 1993, and an adhesiotomy was conducted. Due to poor appetite and weight loss, fluid was sometimes injected peripherally. After abdominal pain in November, 1996 and April, 1997, the ileus reappeared in July, 1997. A Groshong catheter with a port was then inserted through the subclavian vein to the superior vena cava/right atrial junction. Using this catheter, home parenteral nutrition started. Some time later oral nutrition became possible, but now high calorie parenteral nutrition is continued. The only complications were pain and red skin at the port. A Groshong catheter with port is thus useful for home parenteral nutrition.     

肺切除合并上腔静脉切除人造血管置换术治疗上腔静脉综合征的麻醉处理

目的 介绍对肺癌合并上腔静脉综合征患者，施行肺切除合并上腔静脉切除人造血管置换手术的麻醉经验。方法 18例肺癌伴上腔静脉综合征的患者，在静吸复合气管插管全身麻醉下施行肺癌根治性切除合并上腔静脉切除人造血管置换术。结果 全部患者麻醉平稳，手术经过顺利，术毕安返监护室，术后清醒，未发现神经系统损害的症状及体征，如期出院。结论 肺切除合并上腔静脉切除人造血管置换手术者手术难度大，麻醉危险性高。降低上腔静脉阻断期间的压力，减轻中枢神经系统缺血性损害是麻醉管理的关键。