[Superior vena cava syndrome due to hemothorax].

A 40-year-old man suffering from chronic uremia was admitted for hemodialysis. During cannulation of the subclavian vein, 1 of the arteries of the chest was punctured and bled into the right hemithorax. A large compressing hematoma occurred near the superior vena cava and acute superior vena cava syndrome developed very rapidly despite repeated intercostal drainage. Bedside, 1-shot-venography enabled accurate diagnosis and localization of the obstruction and permitted aimed surgical intervention.