[Interventional treatment of the acute and subacute vena cava superior syndrome].

BACKGROUND: Superior vena cava syndrome is defined as the lack of central venous inflow through the superior vena cava and can present a life-threatening situation. The acute situation is characterized by dyspnea and requires a fast and effective treatment.

METHODS: Using two case reports, endovascular stent therapy for the treatment of acute and subacute superior vena cava syndrome is explained and discussed.

RESULTS: In the first case, we introduce a patient with acute dyspnea due to decompensation of a chronic thrombosis of the superior vena cava. The second case displayed the same acute symptoms consisting of acute dyspnea and upper venous congestion due to a tumor-related compression of the superior vena cava. In both cases, the acute situation of superior vena cava syndrome was successfully treated by stent implantation.

CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of superior vena cava syndrome is an effective option with a high technical success rate.