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 from...
Goal: Remove compression, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications (3,4)[C].
Radiotherapy mainly in non–small cell lung cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Neoadjuvant chemoradi...
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.
Wan JF, Bezjak A. Supe...
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 (...
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