Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

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 (...