A case of superior vena cava syndrome in a newborn: Importance of point of care echocardiography

Abstract

Central vascular catheterization for nutrition and monitoring is common in the current era of increasing survival of ever smaller preterm infants and their complex nutritional needs. Any foreign body in blood vessels, whether venous catheters or transvenous pacing catheters (implanted frequently in children with rhythm disorders) could put them at risk of progressive venous obstruction. Although obstruction of SVC leading to "SVC syndrome" has been widely reported in adults, it is very uncommon in children and may be associated with previous congenital heart surgery. In this case study we present SVC obstruction in a newborn infant as a complication of a central catheter. This was diagnosed by combination of clinical suspicion and typical Doppler characteristics as elucidated by application of echocardiographic skills by in-house neonatal staff.