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Case Reports
. 2000;27(3):297-8.

Compression of the superior vena cava by a mediastinal lipoma

C Del Campo  1 , P P Mpougas
Affiliations
Case Reports

Compression of the superior vena cava by a mediastinal lipoma

C Del Campo et al. Tex Heart Inst J. 2000.

Abstract

Lipomas are rarely found in the mediastinum. Although they may reach large proportions, they rarely compress vascular structures. We present a case in which a lipoma produced superior vena cava syndrome. Urgent surgical decompression was required.

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Figures

None
Fig. 1 Computed tomography of the chest. Contrast in the superior vena cava (SVC) demonstrates severe posterior external compression with almost complete occlusion of the vessel (arrowhead). The lipoma is compressing the SVC posteriorly (arrows).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Schweitzer DL, Aguam AS. Primary liposarcoma of the mediastinum. Report of a case and review of the literature. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1977;74:83–97. - PubMed
    1. Jack AI, Blohm ME, Lye M. An intrathoracic lipoma impairing left ventricular function. Br Heart J 1995;74:95. - PMC - PubMed

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