Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the superior vena cava: computed tomography demonstration and review of the literature

• Published in: Journal of thoracic imaging Vol. 13; no. 1; p. 45
• Main Authors: Ferretti, G R, Chiles, C, Woodruff, R D, Choplin, R H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.1998
• Subjects: Aged; Contrast Media; Hemangioendothelioma, Epithelioid - complications; Hemangioendothelioma, Epithelioid - diagnostic imaging; Hemangioendothelioma, Epithelioid - pathology; Humans; Male; Superior Vena Cava Syndrome - etiology; Thoracotomy; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Vascular Neoplasms - complications; Vascular Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Vascular Neoplasms - pathology; Vena Cava, Superior - diagnostic imaging; Vena Cava, Superior - pathology
• ISSN: 0883-5993
• DOI: 10.1097/00005382-199801000-00011

A case is reported of a 79-year-old man with rapid onset of superior vena cava syndrome caused by an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. Contrast-enhanced helical computed tomography showed a soft-tissue mass with punctate calcifications obstructing the superior vena cava and infiltrating adjacent fat. Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a very rare primary mesenchymal tumor of the superior vena cava that often presents with calcifications. It should to be added to the differential diagnosis of tumors of the anterior mediastinum.