Case report: superior vena cava obstruction complicated by central venous thrombosis--treatment with thrombolysis and Gianturco-Z stents.

Expandable wire stents can provide effective palliation of superior vena cava obstruction (SVCO). We describe a case of SVCO unresponsive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which was complicated by extensive central venous thrombosis. Successful thrombolysis occurred with low-dose streptokinase allowing subsequent stent placement.