• Jens Hasskarl, Stefan Köberich, Alex Frydrychowicz, Gerald Illerhaus, and Cornelius F Waller.
• Medizinische Universitätsklinik Freiburg, Hämatologie/Onkologie Abteilung I, Hugstetter Strasse 55, Freiburg, Germany.
• Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2008 Jan 1; 105 (1-2): 18-21.

History And Clinical FindingsWe report the case of a woman who presented to the medical emergency room with upper thoracic inlet syndrome six months after being treated for cancer of the left breast with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. A port-related occlusion of the superior vena cava was diagnosed on the basis of the history, physical findings, and diagnostic images.MethodsThe local standards for the handling of port systems are presented.DiscussionImplanted port systems facilitate the treatment of the chronically ill by enabling easy and safe venous access. As the number of patients with such systems is growing, there is an increased need for optimized handling and care, awareness of the risks (such as catheter occlusion, thrombosis, and infection), and recognition of complications when they arise.

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