Successful fibrinolytic therapy for superior vena cava thrombosis secondary to long-term total parenteral nutrition.

Thrombosis of the superior vena cava and other major central veins is an unusual and infrequent complication of total parenteral nutrition. When it does occur, it may be life threatening and prompt therapy is indicated. A case of superior vena cava thrombosis secondary to an indwelling Broviac catheter for long-term parenteral nutrition is presented, which was successfully treated with Streptokinase with reestablishment of flow through the catheter and veins.