An Autopsy Case of Lung Cancer with Superior Vena Cava Syndrome, Controlled by a Gianturco Expandable Metallic Stent

Abstract

A 66-year-old man was admitted with small cell carcinoma of the lung (T2, N2, MO, stage III A), accompanied by SVC syndrome. With chemo- and radiotherapy, the SVC syndrome temporarily improved, but recurred. Because the SVC syndrome was thought to be refractory to these therapeutic modalities, a Gianturco expandable metallic stent (EMS) was inserted into the stenotic SVC. Immediately, many symptoms related to SVC syndrome, edema of the face and upper extremities and dyspnea, improved. A month after placement of the EMS he died of pneumonia but without any side effects induced by the EMS. Autopsy demonstrated that there were no thromboses over the EMS, which was covered with white sheets composed of proliferating intima.
Placement of an EMS is thought to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of SVC syndrome.