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

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.