Highlights & Basics
- Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is a clinical condition that occurs due to obstruction of the SVC.
- The most common etiology is malignancy; however, there has been an increase in benign causes due to more frequent use of intravascular devices.
- Although rarely fatal, it may sometimes present as life-threatening upper airway obstruction.
- A high index of suspicion is required to make the diagnosis in many cases.
- Treatment and prognosis depend on underlying etiology.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Images
Supra- and infra-azygos obstruction leading to superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. IVC: inferior vena cava
Postdilatation of the superior vena cava stent
Venography showing superior vena cava stenosis. Stent placement in the left pulmonary artery is seen
Percutaneous balloon angioplasty of the stenotic lesion in superior vena cava
Stent deployment in the superior vena cava
Citations
Azizi AH, Shafi I, Shah N, et al. Superior vena cava syndrome. JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2020 Dec 28;13(24):2896-2910.[Abstract][Full Text]
American College of Radiology. ACR appropriateness criteria: suspected upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis. 2019 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Uberoi R. Quality assurance guidelines for superior vena cava stenting in malignant disease. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2006 May-Jun;29(3):319-22.[Abstract]
Kearon C, Akl EA, Ornelas J, et al. Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: CHEST guideline and expert panel report. Chest. 2016 Feb;149(2):315-52. [Abstract][Full Text]
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