Early diagnosis of superior vena cava obstruction facilitated by the use of cerebral oximetry

摘要

Occlusion or significant narrowing of the superior vena cava (SVC) leading to SVC syndrome is an uncommon event after cardiac surgery. Unrecognized SVC syndrome may progress to catastrophic airway swelling and cerebral injury. This case describes the occurrence of cerebral venous hypertension and congestion as a consequence of SVC narrowing after an aortic valve replacement (AVR), mitral valve repair, and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, which was rapidly recognized and subsequently repaired because of an acute bilateral significant decrease in cerebral oxygen saturation detected by cerebral oximetry (Invos 5100; Somanetics Corp, Troy, MI).