Superior vena cava syndrome and infection of pacing leads in one patient.

The superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is an uncommon complication due to permanent transvenous pacemaker electrodes. Infection of the leads is a risk factor for its occurrence. After being treated for SVC syndrome, due to multiple pacemaker leads, with thrombolysis and coumarine therapy, our patient was diagnosed with repetitive positive blood cultures. Because of relapsing SVC syndrome all pacemaker material was surgically removed. Recovery was complete and the patient remained pacemaker-independent. Culture of the leads showed the same coagulase-negative staphylococci as in the blood cultures. The indications for pacemaker implantation should always be rigorously defined and complications thoroughly investigated and treated.