Left brachiocephalic vein perforation: computed tomographic features and treatment considerations - 09/08/11
Abstract |
Objective |
To report the clinical and computed tomographic findings of 5 cases of left brachiocephalic vein perforation (LBCVP).
Methods |
The clinical and imaging features of 5 patients with LBCVP (1 woman, 4 men; mean age, 57.6 years) encountered over the last 2 decades were reviewed.
Results |
Etiologies included left jugular central catheter penetration in 2 patients, blunt trauma in 2, and idiopathic in 1. All patients manifested acute chest pain with a widened mediastinum on chest radiographs. Characteristic computed tomographic features included a cord-like hematoma along the course of the left brachiocephalic vein associated with a left upper anterior mediastinal hematoma (AMH). Three clinically stable patients with AMH smaller than 5 cm convalesced after conservative treatment and 2 clinically unstable patients with AMH bigger than 7 cm recovered well after surgery.
Conclusions |
Computed tomography is helpful in diagnosing LBCVP. Under close surveillance, patients with stable LBCVP with AMH smaller than 5 cm may be managed conservatively. However, emergency surgery is warranted if there are any signs of instability.
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Vol 25 - N° 9
P. 1051-1056 - novembre 2007 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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