An Unusual Cause of Left Brachiocephalic Vein Occlusion: Extrinsic Compression by the Aortic Arch in a Hemodialysis Patient

Factors Causing Loss of Normal Doppler Waveform of the Left Internal Jugular Vein: Evaluation on Chest Computed Tomography

“…Among 70 patients who showed an anatomic cause of LBCV stenosis on CT scans, the most common combination of anterior and posterior anatomic structures to LBCV was sternum and right brachiocephalic artery. These results were consistent with previous studies that reported extrinsic compression of the LBCV by adjacent vascular structures, especially the aortic arch and its branches (1, 4, 5, 10). You et al (22) reported that increased age was associated with an increased likelihood of central vein stenosis in the LBCV.…”

“…The subclavian vein (SCV), brachiocephalic vein (BCV), and superior vena cava (SVC) are great vessels known as central veins and deliver blood flow from the upper extremities, head and neck, and chest wall to the right atrium (1). Central venous stenosis and occlusion are primarily a result of previous central venous catheter (CVC) placement and may result in edema of the arms and congestion of the face, neck, and chest wall (2).…”

“…Central venous stenosis and occlusion are primarily a result of previous central venous catheter (CVC) placement and may result in edema of the arms and congestion of the face, neck, and chest wall (2). Central vein steno-occlusive lesion is a major complication that results in failed access or function of the arteriovenous fistula or graft, especially in hemodialysis patients (1). Occasionally, non-hemodialysis patients can also present with left brachiocephalic vein (LBCV) stenosis or occlusion without history of central venous catheterization (3).…”