Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) with superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome, cardiac tamponade and pleural effusion: An unusual clinical presentation

Abstract

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome and cardiac tamponade are potentially life-threatening conditions that are not uncommon in the oncological setting but their occurrence together in a patient is infrequent. Herein, we present a case of 50-year-old male who presented with SVC syndrome and pleural effusion; developed recurrent cardiac tamponade in the hospital. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of left supraclavicular lymph node which appeared during hospital stay revealed high grade carcinoma and diagnosis of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma was established by FNAC of thyroid nodule. Despite rarity, clinicians must be aware of such presentation of thyroid malignancy.