[Superior vena cava thrombosis manifesting as vasomotor facial flushes]. / Bouffées vasomotrices faciales révélatrices d'une thrombose de la veine cave supérieure.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The first sign in the reported case of superior vena cava thrombosis secondary to a pacemaker lead, was exceptional facial flush. CASE REPORT A 52-year-old woman had a pacemaker for 10 years for rhythm disorders. She developed facial flush triggered by exercise and anteflexion. The clinical examination revealed collateral thoracic circulation, suggesting thrombosis of the superior vena cava which was confirmed by the angiocavogram. DISCUSSION: Vasomotor flush is an uncommon and misleading initial sign of superior vena cava thrombosis. Induction by exercise and anteflexion is characteristic. Due to the increasing number of implanted patients, clinicians should be aware that pacemaker leads are an uncommon cause of superior vena cava thrombosis.