Superior vena cava syndrome associated with longstanding implantable central venous port

An 81-year-old woman was diagnosed with stomach cancer 4 years earlier, and underwent haemostatic radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy, for which an implantable central venous port (figure 1) was placed. She subsequently underwent partial gastrectomy, with remission for nearly 3 years. She maintained regular surveillance, and presented with swelling of the neck and face accompanied by erythrocyanosis of these areas (figure 2). She also reported progressive swelling of both shoulders and upper extremities. On physical examination she was afebrile, …