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SVC obstruction Causes and Risks:
Superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction is a relatively rare condition. It usually is caused by cancerous or inflammatory conditions of the mediastinum (the area of the chest under the breastbone and between the lungs).
Other causes include lymphomas, mediastinal tumors, cancer of the lung with extension into the mediastinum, and chronic fibrosis (scarring). Causes also include inflammatory conditions such as tuberculosis , histoplasmosis infection, thrombophlebitis (particularly extension of thrombophlebitis of superficial veins or the subclavian vein), aortic aneurysm , and constrictive pericarditis .
Prevention:
Prompt treatment of causative disorders may reduce the risk of development of SVC obstruction.
Symptoms:
Note: Symptoms may begin suddenly or gradually and may worsen when bending over or lying down.
Signs and Tests:
An examination may show dilated cutaneous (skin) vein of the face, neck, and upper chest. Blood pressure is often high in the arms and low in the legs.
A bronchoscopy may be performed if lung cancer is suspected.
Obstruction of the SVC may show on: This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
Treatment:
The goal of treatment is relief of the obstruction.
Diuretics may be used to relieve swelling .
The cause must be identified and treated. This may include radiation, chemotherapy , surgical removal of tumors, or other treatment. Surgery to bypass of the obstruction is rarely performed.
Prognosis:
The outcome varies depending of the cause and the extent of obstruction.
Complications:
- cerebral edema ("brain swelling"), possibly fatal
- throat swelling (laryngeal edema) with airway blockage
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if a lung tumor is present and symptoms indicate SVC obstruction may be present. Complications are serious and sometimes are fatal.
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