Unilateral breast enlargement: Four case reports of an [ldquo ]unusual[rdquo ] presentation of central vein stenosis in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Abstract

Subclavian vein stenosis is the most common late complication of subclavian vein catheterization for access for hemodialysis.1 Stenosis of the superior vena cava can also occur in this clinical setting.2 Patients with a concomitant ipsilateral arteriovenous fistula or prosthetic bridge graft and proximal venous stenosis may have upper extremity, neck, or chest wall edema.1 In female patients a stenotic lesion proximal to the junction of the internal mammary and subclavian veins with a concomitant arteriovenous shunt may cause unilateral breast edema that resembles inflammatory breast carcinoma in its presentation, thus posing a diagnostic dilemma.