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Case Reports
. 2015 Mar 14:15:9-11.
doi: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2015.03.002. eCollection 2015.

Systemic-to-pulmonary venous shunt in a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A case report and review of the literature

Azriel Avezbadalov  1 , Cristina Gutierrez  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Systemic-to-pulmonary venous shunt in a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A case report and review of the literature

Azriel Avezbadalov et al. Respir Med Case Rep. .

Abstract

We describe a case of a systemic-to-pulmonary venous shunt secondary to superior vena cava obstruction in a patient with newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This rare condition manifested with symptoms of dyspnea and hypoxemia that were out of proportion to the pleural effusion diagnosed on chest imaging. Standard treatment of such rare collateral plexuses is observation. However, it is important for clinicians to be cognizant that in rare cases such plexuses can lead to right-to-left shunt complications such as embolism.

Keywords: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma; Right-to-left shunt; Shunt; Superior vena cava; Systemic to pulmonary venous.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Transverse (top) and coronal (bottom) CT scan images obtained with contrast administered through a left antecubital intravenous access, showing obstruction of the SVC by a mediastinal mass (arrow).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Transverse (top) and coronal (bottom) views of CT scan images obtained with contrast administered through a right antecubital intravenous access, showing pleural enhancement (top, arrows) and bridging veins connecting intercostal and new chest wall collaterals draining into the pulmonary vein (bottom, arrows).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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