Superior vena cava syndrome with retropharyngeal edema as a complication of ventriculoatrial shunt.

Key Clinical Message Thirty-seven-year old female with hydrocephalus managed by a ventriculoatrial ( VA) shunt presented with upper body edema, dysphagia, and headache. Imaging demonstrated thrombosis of the superior vena cava ( SVC). Direct catheter thrombolysis led to resolution of thrombus burden. Superior vena cava thrombosis is a rare consequence of VA shunting and must be managed emergently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]