Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the superior vena cava: computed tomography demonstration and review of the literature

Abstract

A case is reported of a 79-year-old man with rapid onset of superior vena cava syndrome caused by an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. Contrast-enhanced helical computed tomography showed a soft-tissue mass with punctate calcifications obstructing the superior vena cava and infiltrating adjacent fat. Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a very rare primary mesenchymal tumor of the superior vena cava that often presents with calcifications. It should to be added to the differential diagnosis of tumors of the anterior mediastinum.