Superior vena cava syndrome complicated with acute pulmonary thromboembolism in a patient with lung cancer

Abstract Thrombosis involving the subclavian vein and superior vena cava is relatively common, especially in cancer patients. Edema of the arms and head is a well-known clinical consequence of this thrombosis. The intrinsic risk of pulmonary embolism has not been reported previously. Herein, we describe the case of a 63-year-old male patient with extensive stage small cell lung cancer who developed superior vena cava syndrome. Pulmonary thromboembolism was complicated after receiving systemic chemotherapy and localized radiotherapy. Learning objective: Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome may pose a significant risk factor of pulmonary thromboembolism. Although SVC syndrome and pulmonary thromboembolism may have similar comorbidities, pulmonary thromboembolism might occur after treatment of SVC syndrome. Possible mechanisms may be related to tumor debris and hypercoagulable central vein thrombosis. Physicians must be vigilant with patients whom have dyspnea after treatment of SVC syndrome. Computed tomography angiography may help make an early diagnosis if clinical suspicion is made.>