Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

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Other Names :  

Superior Vena cava obstruction

What is Superior Vena Cava Syndrome ?  

A group of symptoms caused by obstruction of the superior vena cava (a blood vessel carrying blood to the heart).


Cause(s) :  
  • Cancerous tumours that compresses the superior vena cava
  • Infections like syphilis and tuberculosis
  • Thrombosis in the SVC
Symptoms :  
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dyspnea
  • Headache
  • Facial edema and upper limb edema
  • Venous distention in the neck and distended veins in the upper chest and arms
Diagnosis and Tests :  
  • Chest X-ray
  • CT scan
  • Transbronchial needle aspiration
  • Bronchscopy and mediastinoscopy
Specialist to consult :  Cardiology

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