About this Research Topic
Central venous disorders include a large spectrum of anomalies. The common classification refers to two physio-pathological mechanisms, which may coexist in several conditions, thrombotic and non-thrombotic. Clinical presentations might be acute and life threatening or chronic with a major impact on quality of life. The prevalence of chronic venous disorders is thought to far exceed that of symptomatic peripheral arterial diseases. The prevalence increases with age to exceed 10% after 70 years. While peripheral vein disorders, as varicose veins and chronic venous inefficiency of the lower limbs, are widely evaluated, central vein disorders remain insufficiently characterized and under evaluated.
Central vein obstructions of superior vena cava and inferior vena cava systems are distinct clinical entities with different etiologies, risk factors, symptoms, imaging and diagnostic strategies, management, and finally preventive measures. Upper extremity obstruction occurs from tumors (mostly related to extravascular malignancy), thoracic outlet syndrome, central venous catheters or trans-venous implantable intra-cardiac devices. Inferior vena cava systems pathologies include also thrombotic and non-thrombotic causes. The latest are dominated by the vena cava filtration issues and pelvic congestion syndromes.
Recent advances in imaging techniques and minimally invasive interventions might provide new insights in diagnosis and treatment of central venous disorders. The current knowledge is not sufficient to build high-level evidence statements nor to build relevant guidelines. Further researches are highly required in order to clarify the following key questions:
1) Better characterize central venous disorders
2) Define optimal imaging for diagnosis and treatment planning
3) Understand how and when to manage patients
4) Define strategies for patients follow-up
5) Understand how to prevent complications
Specific focus on the most challenging issues in clinical practice as superior vena cava obstructions, pelvic congestion syndrome, May-Thurner syndrome, Nutcracker syndrome and vena cava filters are well appreciated.
In this Research Topic, we call for translational and clinical research aiming to improve knowledge in the aforementioned objectives. We also welcome experimental and fundamental basic sciences that might help understanding better those diseases. We invite contributors to submit all types of articles, particularly original research and review articles.
Central vein obstructions of superior vena cava and inferior vena cava systems are distinct clinical entities with different etiologies, risk factors, symptoms, imaging and diagnostic strategies, management, and finally preventive measures. Upper extremity obstruction occurs from tumors (mostly related to extravascular malignancy), thoracic outlet syndrome, central venous catheters or trans-venous implantable intra-cardiac devices. Inferior vena cava systems pathologies include also thrombotic and non-thrombotic causes. The latest are dominated by the vena cava filtration issues and pelvic congestion syndromes.
Recent advances in imaging techniques and minimally invasive interventions might provide new insights in diagnosis and treatment of central venous disorders. The current knowledge is not sufficient to build high-level evidence statements nor to build relevant guidelines. Further researches are highly required in order to clarify the following key questions:
1) Better characterize central venous disorders
2) Define optimal imaging for diagnosis and treatment planning
3) Understand how and when to manage patients
4) Define strategies for patients follow-up
5) Understand how to prevent complications
Specific focus on the most challenging issues in clinical practice as superior vena cava obstructions, pelvic congestion syndrome, May-Thurner syndrome, Nutcracker syndrome and vena cava filters are well appreciated.
In this Research Topic, we call for translational and clinical research aiming to improve knowledge in the aforementioned objectives. We also welcome experimental and fundamental basic sciences that might help understanding better those diseases. We invite contributors to submit all types of articles, particularly original research and review articles.
Keywords: central veins, central venous catheters, thromboembolic venous disease, superior vena cava syndrome, May-Thurner syndrome, nutcracker syndrome, pelvic congestion syndrome
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