Pleural and pericardial effusion: A manifestation of SVC syndrome in a child on chronic hemodialysis

Abstract

Central venous catheter is commonly utilized as a hemodialysis access in the pediatric population. Long-standing central venous catheters can be complicated by superior vena cava (SVC) stenosis and thrombosis that can rarely present as pleural effusions. We report a case of a 5-year-old boy on chronic hemodialysis who presented with combined pleural and pericardial effusions, which was secondary to catheter induced SVC stenosis. Both the pleural effusion and the pericardial effusion in this patient subsequently improved with the relief of SVC stenosis. This case report highlights the serious complications of SVC stenosis associated with long-standing central venous catheters which is an under-recognized problem in the pediatric population.