Dialysis catheter-induced superior vena cava syndrome and downhill esophageal varices

Abstract

Superior vena cava stenosis is a well-documented complication of central venous dialysis catheters. Rarely, this obstruction can lead to the formation of downhill esophageal varices. We present a case of esophageal varices as a complication of dialysis catheter-induced superior vena cava stenosis, which became symptomatic after the placement of an upper extremity arteriovenous graft and resolved with percutaneous angioplasty and stenting of the superior vena cava stricture.