A Rare Cause of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Pacemaker Lead Induced Superior Vena Cava Stenosis

Abstract

Automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) lead associated superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is rare, with an incidence of <0.1% [1]. Aetiology is thought to result from mechanical irritation and lead-related foreign body reaction, resulting in fibrosis, thrombus and vessel stenosis. Most patients are asymptomatic, in cases with rapid thrombosis and stenosis, there may be signs of SVC obstruction such as upper limb, neck and facial oedema [2]. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to collateral circulation formation is rare [3].