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Query: UMLS:C0018801 (heart failure)
 72,216 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The superior vena cava (SVC) can be visualized and reliably evaluated by computed tomography (CT). Opacification of this vessel with iodinated contrast material and multiplanar reformations can provide information concerning the patency of the lumen and the relationship of the SVC with adjacent mediastinal and lung structures, both normal and abnormal. SVC obstruction leading to SVC syndrome is the most common condition affecting this vessel. It can be caused by both extrinsic compression and intraluminal thrombosis. Numerous collateral pathways have been described by conventional radiographic and anatomic studies with the azygos vein being the most important collateral vessel. From this aspect, five distinct grades of SVC obstruction can be identified. Grade 0: SVC narrowing without clinical evidence of SVC syndrome. Grade I: Moderate SVC narrowing without collaterals. Grade II: Severe SVC narrowing with the azygos vein serving as partial collateral. Grade III: SVC obstruction above the azygos arch. Grade IV: SVC obstruction at or below the level of the azygos arch. Patients with Grades I to IV have clinical evidence of SVC syndrome, and the CT grading roughly corresponds to the severity of clinical findings. CT accurately depicts both the site of SVC obstruction and important collateral pathways and clearly distinguishes between SVC thrombosis and external compression. In this regard, it provides unique information not available from other modalities such as conventional or radioisotope venography. Furthermore, in a number of patients with suspected SVC obstruction, this vessel may be patented, leading to clinical reassessment. The only disadvantage of CT as compared with radionuclide flow studies is the potential hazard from i.v. administration of iodinated contrast material. Less common abnormalities of the SVC include congenital or developmental conditions, such as persistent left SVC, aneurysms, dilation of the vessel due to heart failure, and variations (usually tortuosity) of the thoracic inlet vessels. We conclude that CT should be used as the procedure of choice for the diagnosis of SVC abnormalities, especially in patients with suspected SVC syndrome.
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PMID:Computed tomography of the superior vena cava. 352 1

Cardiac alterations of neoplastic diseases can be due to direct invasion produced by primary cardiac tumors or more frequently secondary to local compression of vascular structures by extracardiac neoplasms, such as superior vena cava syndrome. One of the most important alterations is the cardiotoxicity of anticancer treatments, either chemotherapy drugs or radiotherapy techniques. These treatments cause acute and/or chronic cardiotoxicity that the oncologist and the cardiologist must be aware of. For instance, 4.5% to 7% of patients that have been treated with anthracyclines may suffer cardiac failure in their lifetime. The pathogenesis is still not clear. There is currently a lot of research on cardioprotectors, but nowadays the only one approved by the FDA is dexrazoxane, which is used on breast cancer patients treated with adriamycin.
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PMID:[Heart pathology of extracardiac origin. VII. Heart and neoplasms]. 960 5

We encountered a fatal case of mediastinal fibromatosis in a 67-year-old female in whom there was aggressive infiltration into the large vessels, nerves and pericardium. She presented with the superior vena cava syndrome, Horner's syndrome, paralysis of bilateral vocal cords and diaphragm and heart failure. Mediastinoscopical examination revealed an extremely firm tumor adhering to the sternum, trachea and brachiocephalic artery. She died of severe heart failure due to the disturbed dilatation of the heart and ventilatory insufficiency. Although mediastinal fibromatosis is very uncommon and sometimes difficult to diagnose at an early stage, physicians should be aware of this disease for the differential diagnosis of mediastinal tumors.
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PMID:Mediastinal fibromatosis presenting with superior vena cava syndrome. 1051 45

We describe two patients with primary cardiac malignant lymphoma involving the right atrium and superior vena cava, resulting in intractable right cardiac failure and superior vena cava syndrome. Patients were diagnosed by surgical myocardial biopsy and were treated with combination chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Each attained a marked response, and hence avoided sudden death from tricuspid atresia. Both have remained alive for more than 21 and 34 months, respectively, and continue intermittent combination chemotherapy.
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PMID:Successful treatment of two patients with primary cardiac malignant lymphoma. 1056 10

Transvenous pacemaker lead extraction has become a commonly performed procedure that is associated with a small but significant risk. We report two cases where lead extraction was complicated by arteriovenous fistulae between branches of the aortic arch and the left brachiocephalic vein. Presenting signs and symptoms included severe chest or back pain, persistent or copious bleeding from the venous puncture site, unexplained hypotension or anemia, superior vena cava syndrome, and signs of central venous hypertension or acute heart failure. One patient whose injury was not recognized immediately and who did not undergo repair died rapidly, whereas the other patient who was diagnosed quickly underwent successful repair. Immediate diagnosis with arteriography and rapid intervention with surgery or percutaneous techniques are indicated and may prevent mortality.
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PMID:Arteriovenous fistulae complicating cardiac pacemaker lead extraction: recognition, evaluation, and management. 1110 98

Persistent left superior vena cava is usually asymptomatic and does not cause any physiological problems (1). However it can severely complicate pacemaker implantation and render it sometimes impossible (2). In this case report we describe the implantation of a biventricular pacemaker using a left-sided approach in a patient with persistent left superior vena cava syndrome. A biventricular resynchronization device was used because of the reported beneficial haemodynamic effects of this pacing mode in patients with severe heart failure (3).
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PMID:Biventricular pacing and persistent left superior vena cava. Case report and review of the literature. 1222 98

Coronary artery aneurysms are defined as localized coronary artery dilations >1.5 times the diameter of the adjacent segments. In adults, they are commonly of atherosclerotic origin and are usually asymptomatic. This is the first case report of a coronary artery aneurysm causing superior vena cava syndrome and heart failure. Chest x-ray showed cardiomegaly, and transthoracic echocardiography showed a mass that was confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography, computed tomography, and coronary angiography. In conclusion, giant coronary artery aneurysms can cause superior vena cava syndrome.
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PMID:Giant coronary artery aneurysm causing superior vena cava syndrome and congestive heart failure. 1699 89

We describe a case of complex congenital heart disease treated using balloon septostomy, pulmonary artery banding. Blalock-Taussig shunt, and cardiac resynchronization therapy; however, heart failure developed. A bicaval anastomosis was used to relieve superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction despite possible anastomotic stenosis. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient recovered rapidly. Thus, we recommend bicaval anastomosis using a longer donor SVC concomitantly performed during heart transplantation to relieve both heart failure and SVC obstruction in pediatric patients.
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PMID:Heart transplantation using bicaval anastomosis to concomitantly relieve superior vena caval obstruction in a pediatric patient with heart failure. 1892 84

Hodgkin's disease can be cured in most cases by radiotherapy. However, it can increase the risk of cardiotoxicity. Here, we report a patient with Hodgkin's disease and superior vena cava syndrome who was treated with chemotherapy in combination with radiotherapy. Four months after the initiation of this therapy, she developed progressive dyspnea. Pleural and pericardial effusion, severe mitral regurgitation, moderate aortic insufficiency, and mild tricuspid regurgitation were detected in echocardiography, which suggested heart failure. The patient was then treated with intrapericardial drainage and received dopamine and diuretics for congestive heart failure; she responded well to this treatment and was discharged in good condition. After high-dose mediastinal radiation, cardiologic screening is recommended in order to identify patients with radiation-induced heart disease and to assess their need for treatment and follow-up.
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PMID:Severe valvular toxicity and pericarditis early after radiation therapy in a patient treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma. 2104 92

The vein of Galen is the most common type of arteriovenous malformation in the fetus and neonate. Most vein of Galen arteriovenous malformations (VGAMs) are diagnosed in the neonatal period, with the remainder being identified in early childhood, typically via computed tomography scan. The VGAM is found in five different patterns where the vein of Galen and straight sinus extending to the torcula Herophili are dilated. This dilation can lead to significant compression of the posterior fossa structures. Clinically, the infant with this malformation can present with seizures or most commonly, high output cardiac failure. It is important, however, to keep a broad differential diagnosis as more prevalent neonatal conditions arise similarly. These conditions can include developmental delay, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, superior vena cava syndrome, hemangioendothelioma, and other arteriovenous fistulae. Treatment begins with early diagnosis and testing of initial sequelae. This is often accomplished in consultation with different pediatric subspecialists, particularly neurologists and cardiologists. The mainstay of therapy is with neurosurgical intervention. Although the mortality of a fetus or neonate with VGAM is very high, prognosis is dependent on the size of the malformation, age at diagnosis, and successful neurosurgical outcome.
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PMID:Vein of Galen Arteriovenous Malformation in a Neonate. 2647 26


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