Dake M D, Zemel G, Dolmatch B L, Katzen B T
Miami Vascular Institute, Baptist Hospital of Miami, FL 33176.
Radiology. 1990 Mar;174(3 Pt 2):957-9. doi: 10.1148/radiology.174.3.174-3-957.
The cause of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) in two patients was identified by means of endovascular biopsy of the superior vena cava (SVC) performed with a percutaneous atherectomy catheter. In both cases, the extracted tissues were neoplastic, therefore obviating additional invasive procedures. After a specific diagnosis was established, external-beam radiation therapy was used to treat the SVCS. The atherectomy catheter was used in conjunction with other percutaneous techniques, including balloon angioplasty and endovascular stenting of the SVC.
