Superior vena cava syndrome secondary to chronic dissecting aortic aneurysm after aortic valve replacement

Abstract

Ascending aortic aneurysm is a rare cause of superior vena cava syndrome. Herein, we describe a case of superior vena cava syndrome caused by a chronic dissecting aortic aneurysm after aortic valve replacement. A successful replacement of the aortic root and ascending aorta led to an improvement of edema of the face and bilateral upper limbs caused by superior vena cava syndrome. © 2010 Published by European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.