Reconstruction with PTFE graft in vena cava superior syndrome caused by fibrosing mediastinitis

Abstract

Fibrosing mediastinitis is an uncommon benign disorder characterized by proliferation of dense fibrous tissue within the mediastinum. Affected patients are typically young and present with signs and symptoms related to obstruction of vital mediastinal structures, such as central systemic veins, the esophagus, airways, and pulmonary arteries or veins. The precise cause and pathogenesis of fibrosing mediastinitis in most cases is unknown, and links to infectious and noninfectious causes remain speculative. We present a case of severe symptomatic SVC syndrome as a result of fibrosing mediastinitis, which were treated successfully using a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) graft.