Malignant inferior vena cava obstruction involving right atrium: palliative treatment with self expandable metallic stent / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of placement of self expandable metallic stent within right atrium and inferior vena cava (ICV) in patients with malignant ICV obstruction involving right atrium. Methods There were 5 male patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, aged from 42 to 65 years (mean 56 3 years). The malignancies invaded right atrium and ICV simultaneously, and caused obstruction of ICV. These patients presented symptoms and signs of obstruction of ICV such as hepatomegaly, ascites, edema of lower extremities. “Z” type stainless steel stents (7 5～10.0 cm in length and 2 5 cm in diameter) were selected for these patients. Part (1.0～3.0 cm in length ) of stent was placed in right atrium and the rest was in ICV. Results All of stents were placed successfully and obstructed ICV reopened. The symptoms of obstruction of ICV relieved or disappeared. There were no recurrence of symptoms of obstruction of ICV and any cardiac complication related to placement of stents in follow up period (67～188 days). Conclusion Placement of self expandable metallic stent within right atrium and ICV in treatment of patients with malignant ICV obstruction involving right atrium is one of the safe and effective methods.