Right atrial thrombus and superior vena cava syndrome in a child

Complications of central venous catheterization are well described. They include right atrial thrombosis and superior vena cava syndrome resulting from impaired venous drainage. Such complications are normally observed while the catheter is in place. They are often transient, resolving upon catheter removal. A patient with recurrent signs of superior vena caval obstruction 1 1/2 years after removal of the central venous catheter is described. The obstruction was determined to be intermittent and functionally related to elevated cardiac output due, in turn, to anemia. This patient was also found to have a calcific right atrial thrombus which was not obstructive.