Partial or complete obstruction of the superior vena cava (SVC) (1):
~60% due to malignant causes
20–40% thrombosis or nonmalignant causes
Usual course: acute; usually 2 to 4 weeks fr...
Goal: Remove compression, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications (3),(4)[C].
Radiotherapy mainly in non–small cell lung cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Neoadjuvant chemora...
Bed rest, elevate patient’s head, and limit bending down to decrease the hydrostatic pressure.
SVC syndrome is often associated with terminal illness; discuss adva...
Rice TW, Rodriguez RM, Light RW. The superior vena cava syndrome: clinical characteristics and evolving etiology. Medicine (Baltimore). 2006;85(1):37–42. [View Abstract on Ovi...
Lung cancer is the leading cause of SVC syndrome; other malignant causes include lymphoma and metastatic breast and prostate cancer.
Percutaneous stenting can provide immediate relief (...
Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.
FIG. 10.29. A: A patient with an anterior mediastinal mass due to large B-cell lymphoma developed superior vena cava syndrome. Hematologic neoplasms associated with superior vena cava syndrome include lymphoblastic lymphoma, Hodgkin disease, and large B-cell lymphoma. B: Lateral view.
FIG. 10.29. A: A patient with an anterior mediastinal mass due to large B-cell lymphoma developed superior vena cava syndrome. Hematologic...
FIG. 10.29. A: A patient with an anterior mediastinal mass due to large B-cell lymphoma developed superior vena cava syndrome. Hematologic neoplasms associated with superior vena cava syndrome include lymphoblastic lymphoma, Hodgkin disease, and large B-cell lymphoma. B: Lateral view. (From Lee G, Foerster J, Lukens J, et al. Wintrobe's clinical hematology, 10th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1998:2047, with permission.)