[Leiomyosarcoma of the superior vena cava: diagnosis by endovascular biopsy]

Abstract

We report the case of a 69-year-old woman with leiomyosarcoma of the superior vena cava presenting with acute superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). CT and MRI failed to fully characterize the endovascular process. Percutaneous endovascular biopsy, followed by metallic stent placement to treat the SVCS, confirmed the diagnosis. Symptoms resolved within 48 hours and surgical resection of the tumor was performed one month later. Unfortunately the patient died two weeks later because of intracranial hemorrhage.