[A superior vena cava syndrome of unusual etiology: compression syndrome of the innominate veins].

A 65-year-old hypertensive and atheromatous presented with "unilateral superior vena cava syndrome". Venography and computed tomography scan with hemodynamic studies demonstrated an intermittent compression of the left innominate vein by the supra-aortic trunks, mainly due to the left subclavian artery, during expiration. The late development of symptoms might be due to arterial atheroma coupled with a narrow superior mediastinum. The case described here is a thoracic equivalent of Cockett's syndrome and so can be called "innominate vein compression syndrome".