Superior vena cava thrombosis is a potential late complication of transvenous pacing that responds to anticoagulation therapy.
May warrant anticoagulation consideration in pacing-related SVC obstruction; leaves open need for controlled studies on efficacy and alternatives.
A case of progressive venous thrombosis involving the superior vena cava is reported following implantation of a permanent transvenous pacemaker. Acute symptoms in the arm appeared after 18 months, but the symptoms of superior vena caval obstruction developed gradually, three years after pacemaker insertion. The diagnosis was confirmed by cavography and symptoms resolved with heparin therapy. Long-term anticoagulation is indicated when thrombosis is responsible for this uncommon but important complication of transvenous pacing.
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Deanfield et al. (1982) studied this question.
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