13 SUPERIOR VENA CAVA THROMBUS FOLLOWING L-ASPARAGINASE THERAPY. Issue 1 (1st January 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Creel, A. M.; Denham, A. A.; Winkler, M. K.; Prabhakaran, P.
• Is Part Of: Journal of investigative medicine. Volume 55:Issue 1(2007)
• Page Start: S249
• Page End: S249
• Publication Date: 2007-01-01
• Subjects: Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Medicine; Research -- United States; Clinical medicine; Medicine -- Research; Periodicals; 616.075
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1081-5589

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To report a case of superior vena cava thrombus in an 18-year-old female after treatment with l-asparaginase who recently presented to our pediatric intensive care unit, to review the literature for risk factors that may place certain patients at higher risk for this complication, and to discuss treatment options available. Design: Case report and review of the literature. Setting: A 19-bed pediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Patient: An 18-year-old female with CNS relapse of acute lymphocytic leukemia. Interventions: Treatment of thrombus with alteplase and heparin therapy. Main Results: After presenting to the pediatric intensive care unit, the patient was noted to have venous congestion of her head, arms, and upper trunk. CT venogram of the chest revealed a nearly occlusive thrombus within the superior vena cava. Treatment resulted in decreased swelling of the face and neck, a decrease in venous congestion, and a decrease in the size of the thrombus on repeat CT scan. Conclusions: Thrombus formation and bleeding are both documented complications of treatment with l-asparaginase. Factors that may have increased this patient's risk of venous thrombus include a subclavian central venous catheter and oral contraceptive therapy. In this case, treatment with systemic alteplase and heparin resulted in improvement of symptoms as well as reduction in thrombus size within 24 hours of initiation.